US soldier arrested at the Capitol after calling for Trump's impeachment

A US Air Force major was arrested on the steps of the Capitol on Wednesday (2), after giving a speech calling for the impeachment and removal of US President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance.

Jason Watson's arrest came after he spoke at a press conference organized by the Removal Coalition, the grassroots activist group said. During the press conference, Watson identified himself as an active military member and was wearing a military uniform. Democratic Representative Al Green of Texas also attended the event.

The U.S. Capitol Police, who confirmed the arrest, said members of the public cannot demonstrate on the House steps unless accompanied by a member of Congress.

Watson was taken to the steps by a member of Congress, who "left the scene", before police gave Watson "lawful orders to end the illegal demonstration, under penalty of arrest", police said in a statement.

"The man refused our lawful orders and was then arrested for violation of 22-1307 - Crowding, Obstruction and Disturbance," Capitol Police added, noting that there are other locations on Capitol grounds where demonstrations are permitted.

On Tuesday (30), a Washington Superior Court official told CNN that Watson was being released and that a possible case against him would not be filed.

Washington's attorney general, who would have made the decision not to charge Watson, did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

CNN reached out to the U.S. Air Force to confirm whether Watson is active duty military, but did not immediately receive a response.

During his speech, Watson criticized the Trump administration's recent military actions in Venezuela and Iran, as well as the Republican's strict crackdown on immigration, arguing that such measures violated several constitutional provisions, according to a video posted online by the group Removal Coalition.

"For this reason, the president and vice president must be impeached, convicted and removed from office," Watson said.

It is not known whether Watson has legal representation at this time. Public expression of dissent among active-duty military personnel is rare, as they are required to carry out orders in accordance with the Uniform Code of Military Justice; Article 88 of this code makes it a crime to use disrespectful words against the president, vice president, Congress and other high-ranking officials.

In addition, military personnel are prohibited from wearing uniforms when participating in political rallies.

Jessica Denson, founder of the Removal Coalition - the group that organized the press conference - said Watson had contacted them via email and was aware of the possible consequences of her actions.

"We started talking, we took his desire to speak out very seriously and thought about the best way to make his sacrifice worth it," she said.

Later, Green published a video on social media praising Watson's attitude.

"I just left the Capitol grounds; I was there to witness a U.S. military major bend the arc of the moral universe toward justice," Green said. He added that Watson had "advocated for impeaching the president" before being arrested and taken from the scene.

CNN has reached out to Green's office for comment.

(With input from CNN's Lauren Chadwick and Katelyn Polantz)

Source: CNN