[CNN] A US Air Force major was arrested on the steps of the US Capitol on Wednesday after delivering a speech calling for the impeachment and removal of President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance.
The arrest of Jason Watson occurred after he spoke at a news conference organized by Removal Coalition, the grassroots activist group said.
| That is to say, “grassroots” in scare quotes. It’ll turn out that the group is funded by some of the usual suspects, not self-organized grassroots at all. |
During the news conference, Watson identified himself as an active-duty service member and wore a military uniform. Democratic Rep. Al Green of Texas also attended the event.
US Capitol Police, which confirmed the arrest, said members of the public may not demonstrate on the steps of the House unless they are accompanied by a member of Congress.
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.
"The man refused our lawful orders and was then arrested for 22-1307 Crowding, Obstructing, and Incommoding," US Capitol Police added, noting that there are other spots on the Capitol grounds where demonstrating is allowed.
On Tuesday, a DC superior court official told CNN Watson is being released and a possible case against him will not be filed. The DC attorney general, which would have decided to not charge Watson, did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
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