Air Force Major Arrested for Impeachment Protest

On July 2, 2026, U.S. Air Force Maj. Jason Watson was arrested by Capitol Police after walking onto the House side of the Capitol steps without a congressperson. Officers cited D.C. Code 22-1307 for crowding, obstructing and incommoding and ordered him to stop; he refused.

NewsOne

Capitol rules allow demonstrations on the House steps only when a legislator is present. The Uniform Code of Military Justice bars active-duty members from partisan political activity in uniform and criminalizes contemptuous statements against the president, vice president and Congress under Article 88.

Military Times

Maj. Jason Watson, a logistics officer on leave from Bydgoszcz, Poland, has over 20 years of service and several medals. Rep. Al Green (D-TX) escorted him onto the steps. Jessica Denson, founder of the Removal Coalition, organized the press conference. Capitol Police enforced the law; an Air Force spokesperson confirmed Watson’s rank.

Military Times

Watson entered active duty in May 2009, served 17 years in Europe, and holds at least a dozen medals, including the National Defense Service Medal. He was charged under 22-1307 for crowding and obstructing. He claimed U.S. strikes in Iran, Venezuela and Cuba caused 13 service-member deaths and hundreds of injuries. Fundraising has raised nearly $70,000.

Newsweek

Capitol Police said Watson “refused lawful orders” and was arrested under the cited code, noting other protest sites are available. An Air Force spokesperson warned that service members must obey all conduct and uniform regulations and that commanders will take administrative or disciplinary action. The White House declined comment.

CNN

Legal analysts contend Watson’s conduct breached both civilian protest rules and the UCMJ. Some cite DoD Directive 1344.10, arguing military police should have made the arrest.

‘He’s a Hero, Trump’s a Zero’: Outrage as USAF Major is Arrested for Calling for Trump Impeachment in Washington, DC

Fundraising totals differ: $70,000 (Military Times) versus $24,000 (Newsweek). Service record varies between “over 20 years” and “17 years in Europe.” No Air Force decision on possible court-martial has been released, and the White House and Defense Department have not commented.

Newsweek

• “The president and vice president must be impeached, convicted and removed.” — Maj. Jason Watson, Capitol protest

‘He’s a Hero, Trump’s a Zero’: Outrage as USAF Major is Arrested for Calling for Trump Impeachment in Washington, DC

• “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,” — Rep. Al Green

CNN

• “This is the example of sacrifice that members of Congress need to see and confront,” — Jessica Denson, Removal Coalition founder

• “The man refused our lawful orders and was then arrested for 22-1307 Crowding, Obstructing, and Incommoding,” — Capitol Police spokesperson

CNN

Watson may face UCMJ proceedings that could result in non-judicial punishment, administrative separation or a court-martial. The House could revive impeachment measures, and the Defense Department is expected to review disciplinary options. Fundraising continues as legal outcomes remain pending.

Newsweek