Key facts
- Air Force Maj. Jason Watson was arrested on July 1 on the steps of the House of Representatives.
- Watson was in uniform and protesting, calling for the impeachment of President Trump and Vice President Vance.
- The arrest was for crowding, obstructing, and incommoding, a misdemeanor under D.C. Code § 22-1307.
- Capitol Police stated the arrest was for demonstrating in a restricted area and refusing orders to stop.
- Rep. Al Green was present at the event but left before Watson's arrest.
Air Force Maj. Jason Watson was arrested on July 1 on the steps of the House of Representatives while protesting in uniform and calling for the impeachment of President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance. The arrest, made by U.S. Capitol Police, was for crowding, obstructing, and incommoding under D.C. Code § 22-1307, a misdemeanor offense. Police stated that Watson was arrested after refusing lawful orders to cease demonstrating in a restricted area, noting that public demonstrations are generally prohibited on the House steps unless accompanied by a member of Congress. Rep. Al Green, who had initially escorted Watson to the steps, was present at the event but had left the scene prior to the arrest. The incident sets up a legal dispute concerning military members' political activity restrictions and Capitol protest rules.