A US Air Force major, Jason Watson, was arrested on the steps of the US Capitol on Wednesday after delivering a speech calling for the impeachment and removal of President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance.

Arrest Details

The arrest occurred after Watson spoke at a news conference organized by Removal Coalition, a grassroots activist group. During the news conference, Watson identified himself as an active-duty service member and wore a military uniform. Democratic Rep. Al Green of Texas also attended the event.

US Capitol Police confirmed the arrest, stating that members of the public may not demonstrate on the steps of the House unless they are accompanied by a member of Congress. Watson was escorted to the steps by a member of Congress who left the area before police gave Watson lawful orders to stop the illegal demonstration or face arrest.

Watson was arrested for crowding, obstructing, and incommoding. A DC superior court official stated that Watson is being released and a possible case against him will not be filed.

Speech and Reaction

During his speech, Watson criticized the Trump administration’s recent military actions in Venezuela and Iran and Trump’s immigration enforcement crackdown, arguing it violated multiple constitutional provisions. Watson said, ‘For this, the president and vice president must be impeached, convicted, and removed.’

Public dissent within active-duty military ranks is rare, as service members are required to follow orders in accordance with the Uniform Code of Military Justice, which criminalizes contemptuous words against the president, vice president, Congress, and other top officials.

Original reporting: KTVZ (Central Oregon) — read the source article.