An active-duty Air Force major was taken into custody Wednesday afternoon on the steps of the U.S. Capitol after publicly calling for the impeachment and removal of President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance. Jason Watson, dressed in uniform, delivered remarks at a news conference organized by the Removal Coalition, a group that advocates for Trump's impeachment to members of Congress.
Watson's arrest came after Capitol Police ordered him to cease demonstrating once the member of Congress who had escorted him to the House Steps departed the area. When Watson refused the lawful orders, officers arrested him on charges of Crowding, Obstructing, and Incommoding. Capitol Police noted in a statement that public demonstrations on the House Steps generally require accompaniment by a member of Congress, and that other areas of the Capitol grounds permit protest activity.
At the event, Watson praised Representative Al Green, D-Texas, the sole congressional voice he said had demonstrated sufficient courage to push for impeachment votes against Trump. "Rep. Green is the only member of Congress that has demonstrated the courage and conviction to force a vote on articles of impeachment," Watson stated. He emphasized that while he is not a Democrat and does not align with Green's policy positions, Congress must face pressure to act.
Watson's criticism centered on what he characterized as unconstitutional executive actions. He specifically cited the administration's military operations in Venezuela and Iran, describing them as violations of the War Powers Clause that belonged exclusively to Congress. "These violations resulted in the deaths of 13 service members and injuries of hundreds more," he said, referencing fatalities from the Iran conflict. The officer also attacked the administration's immigration policies as unconstitutional.
Military law imposes stricter limits on service members than on civilians when it comes to political expression. The Uniform Code of Military Justice prohibits officers from using contemptuous language toward the president, vice president, and other federal officials. Additionally, all service members are barred from engaging in political activities while in uniform, regardless of branch.
An Air Force spokesperson responded Thursday with a statement emphasizing that all personnel "must comply with all laws, regulations and policies governing conduct and the wear of the uniform" and are "expected to uphold the highest standards of discipline and professionalism, both on and off duty."
Author Sarah Mitchell: "Watson's arrest highlights the collision between First Amendment protections and military law, raising hard questions about when uniform-wearing service members can speak their conscience on national security matters."
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