An active-duty U.S. Air Force major was arrested on the steps of the U.S. Capitol on Wednesday after delivering a speech calling for the impeachment of President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance. Maj. Jason Watson, wearing his military uniform, spoke at a news conference organized by the Removal Coalition, a group advocating for Trump’s removal from office. Democratic Rep. Al Green of Texas also attended the event.**
Capitol Police confirmed the arrest, stating that Watson violated rules prohibiting public demonstrations on the House steps unless accompanied by a member of Congress. According to police, Watson was initially escorted to the steps by a lawmaker but remained after the member left. Officers issued lawful orders for him to stop the illegal demonstration, which he refused, leading to his arrest on charges of ‘Crowding, Obstructing, and Incommoding.’
Watson’s speech criticized the Trump administration’s military actions in Venezuela and Iran, as well as immigration enforcement policies, arguing they violated constitutional provisions. He emphasized the need for impeachment, conviction, and removal of both Trump and Vance. Watson clarified that he is not a Democrat and does not align with Rep. Green’s policy positions, though he praised Green’s efforts to force impeachment votes.
The DC attorney general’s office later declined to file charges, and Watson was released. The U.S. Air Force has not confirmed his active-duty status, and Rep. Green’s office did not respond to requests for comment.
Capitol Police regulations permit demonstrations in designated areas but prohibit them on the House steps without congressional accompaniment. The Removal Coalition, a grassroots activist group, organized the event to pressure Congress into impeaching Trump. Watson’s arrest highlights tensions between free speech rights and Capitol security protocols, particularly for uniformed service members engaging in political activism.