Air Force major arrested at Capitol after calling for Trump and JD Vance's impeachment

WASHINGTON, DC: An active-duty US Air Force major was arrested at the US Capitol after publicly calling for the impeachment and removal of President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance during a news conference.

The incident unfolded on Wednesday, July 2, outside the Capitol and was followed by an official response from Air Force Secretary Troy Meink on Thursday, while authorities later decided not to pursue charges against the officer.

Jason Watson, who identified himself as an active-duty service member and appeared in military uniform, was speaking at an event organized by grassroots activist group Removal Coalition when Capitol Police stepped in.

Jason Watson arrested after refusing Capitol Police orders

According to the US Capitol Police, Watson had been escorted onto the House steps by a member of Congress before the lawmaker left the area.

Officers said Watson was then instructed to stop what they described as an unauthorized demonstration.

Police said Watson was warned that he would be arrested if he refused to comply. When he continued the demonstration, officers took him into custody.

"The man refused our lawful orders and was then arrested for 22-1307 Crowding, Obstructing, and Incommoding," Capitol Police said in a statement.

Authorities also noted that while demonstrations are permitted in designated areas around the Capitol grounds, members of the public are not allowed to protest on the House steps unless accompanied by a member of Congress.

On Tuesday, a DC Superior Court official told CNN that Watson was being released and that a possible criminal case against him would not be filed.

The DC attorney general's office, which would have made the charging decision, did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

Air Force secretary responds as military investigation moves forward

The incident also prompted a response from Air Force Secretary Troy Meink, who addressed the matter on social media Thursday.

"I expect every Airman and Guardian to comply with all laws and policies governing personal conduct, political participation, and the wear of the uniform," Meink wrote.

He added, "Pursuant to a thorough investigation - which will proceed unimpeded - commanders will ensure appropriate disposition when holding service members accountable in accordance with military law and due process."

CNN also said it contacted the US Air Force to confirm Watson's active-duty status but did not immediately receive a response.

The case has drawn attention because active-duty service members are subject to the Uniform Code of Military Justice, which places strict limits on political activity while serving.

Military rules also prohibit service members from participating in political rallies while wearing their uniforms.

Jason Watson says Donald Trump and JD Vance should be impeached

During his speech, Watson criticized the Trump administration's recent military actions in Venezuela and Iran, along with its immigration enforcement policies.

According to a video shared online by Removal Coalition, Watson argued those actions violated multiple constitutional provisions before calling for the president and vice president to be removed from office.

"For this, the president and vice president must be impeached, convicted, and removed," Watson said during the event.

Jessica Denson, founder of Removal Coalition, said Watson had first contacted the group by email and understood there could be serious consequences for speaking publicly while serving in the military.

"We started having conversations and took this desire that he had to come out very seriously and thought about the best way to make his sacrifice worth it," Denson said.

Democratic Rep Al Green of Texas also attended the news conference and later praised Watson after the arrest.

"I just left the Capitol grounds, and I was there to witness a major in the United States military bend the arc of the moral universe toward justice," Green said in a video posted on social media.

He added that Watson had "stood for impeachment of the president" before being arrested and taken away.

Watson's legal representation, if any, remains unknown.

The Air Force investigation into his conduct is expected to continue even though prosecutors have decided not to pursue a criminal case.