Air Force major detained after speaking on Capitol steps about impeachment

A U.S. Air Force major was taken into custody on the steps of the U.S. Capitol on Wednesday after delivering a speech that called for the impeachment and removal of President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance. The speech was part of a news conference organized by the activist group Removal Coalition, and the major, identified as Jason Watson, wore his military uniform and stated he was on active duty.

Capitol Police said demonstrations on the House steps are prohibited unless a member of Congress is present. Watson was escorted to the steps by a congressperson, who then left the area before police ordered him to stop the demonstration.

"The man refused our lawful orders and was then arrested for 22-1307 Crowding, Obstructing, and Incommoding," the police statement read.

A District of Columbia superior court official indicated that Watson will be released and no charges are expected. The D.C. attorney general's office has not commented.

During his remarks, Watson criticized recent U.S. military actions in Venezuela and Iran and the administration's immigration enforcement, arguing these policies violated constitutional provisions. He concluded that the president and vice president must be impeached, convicted, and removed.

Military regulations prohibit service members from wearing uniforms at political events and criminalize contemptuous statements against senior officials under Article 88 of the Uniform Code of Military Justice. Jessica Denson, founder of Removal Coalition, said Watson contacted the group by email and understood the potential consequences. Representative Al Green of Texas, who attended the event, posted a video praising Watson's actions, describing the incident as a moral stand for justice.