A U.S. Air Force major was arrested this Wednesday on the steps of the Capitol after delivering a speech calling for the impeachment and removal of President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance.

Jason Watson was arrested after speaking at a news conference organized by Removal Coalition, a grassroots activist group. During the event, Watson identified himself as an active-duty service member and wore his military uniform. Democratic Representative Al Green of Texas also attended the conference.

U.S. Capitol Police, which confirmed the arrest, stated that members of the public may not demonstrate on the House steps unless accompanied by a member of Congress. According to police, Watson was escorted to the steps by a member of Congress who then left the area. Officers then gave Watson "lawful orders to stop the illegal demonstration or he would be arrested." He refused and was arrested for crowding, obstructing, and incommoding.

A D.C. Superior Court official told CNN that Watson would be released and that charges would not be filed against him. The D.C. Attorney General's office, which would have decided on prosecution, did not respond to a request for comment.

Air Force Secretary Troy Meink addressed the incident on social media, stating: "I expect every Airman and Guardian to comply with all laws and policies governing personal conduct, political participation, and the wear of the uniform." He added that commanders would ensure accountability through investigation and military law.

During his speech, Watson criticized the Trump administration's recent military actions in Venezuela and Iran, as well as the immigration enforcement crackdown, arguing they violated constitutional provisions. "For this, the president and vice president must be impeached, convicted, and removed," Watson said.

Public dissent within active-duty military ranks is rare. Service members are subject to the Uniform Code of Military Justice, which under Article 88 criminalizes contemptuous words against the president and other senior officials. They are also prohibited from wearing the uniform during political rallies.

Removal Coalition founder Jessica Denson said Watson reached out to them via email and was aware of the potential consequences. "We started talking and took his desire to speak out very seriously. We thought about the best way for his sacrifice to be worthwhile," she said.

Representative Green later praised Watson's actions, saying: "I just came out of the Capitol and I was there to witness how a major of the United States Armed Forces bent the arc of the moral universe toward justice." He added that Watson "defended an impeachment against the president" before being arrested and removed.