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 under Article 88. Service members are also prohibited from wearing uniform while participating in political rallies.
A US Air Force major, Jason Watson, was arrested by the Capitol Police on Wednesday following a speech at a presser calling for the impeachment and removal of President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance.
The Cable News Network, CNN reports that Jason Watson was apprehended after addressing a news conference organized by Removal Coalition, according the grassroots activist group.
Watson who appeared in military uniform identified himself as an active-duty service member. Democratic Rep. Al Green of Texas also attended the event.
According to the CNN, the US Capitol Police, stated after confirming the arrest, that members of the public may not demonstrate on the steps of the House unless they are accompanied by a member of Congress.
But, in this case, reports say 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 he would be arrested,” the police said in a statement.
US Capitol Police added “The man refused our lawful orders and was then arrested for 22-1307 Crowding, Obstructing, and Incommoding,” noting that there are other spots on the Capitol grounds where demonstrating is allowed.
The global news outlet, on Tuesday, quoted a DC superior court official that Watson is being released and a possible case against him will not be filed. The DC attorney general.
CNN reached out to the US Air Force to confirm whether Watson is an active-duty service member, but did not immediately receive a response.
Air Force Secretary Troy Meink addressed the incident on social media later on Thursday, saying, “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 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.”
Watson had criticized the Trump administration’s recent military actions in Venezuela and Iran and Trump’s immigration enforcement crackdown, stating that it violated multiple constitutional provisions, according to a video posted online by the group Removal Coalition.
Watson said: “For this, the president and vice president must be impeached, convicted, and removed.” It’s not exactly clear if Watson has legal representation at this time.
CNN also reports that Public dissent within active-duty military ranks is rare.
Jessica Denson, the founder of Removal Coalition, which organized the press conference, said Watson had reached out to them via email and understood the potential consequences of his actions.
“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,” she said.
Green later posted a video on social media praising Watson’s action.
“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. He added that Watson had “stood for impeachment of the president” before he was arrested and taken away.
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