safety
Air Force officer arrested at Capitol after calling for Trump's impeachment
By Lauren Zola | NBC News at NBC Los Angeles (KNBC)
· July 2, 2026
· 3 min read
An Air Force major was arrested in uniform on the steps of the Capitol after he called for the impeachment of President Donald Trump.
U.S. Capitol Police arrested Jason Watson, an active-duty service member, on Wednesday afternoon following remarks at a news conference where he said Trump and ...
Key takeaway Capitol Police arrested Jason Watson, an active-duty service member, on Wednesday afternoon following remarks at a news conference where he said Trump and Vice President JD Vance should be removed from office.
Why this matters in The Los Angeles
The arrest of an Air Force major on the steps of the Capitol raises questions about the limits of free speech for active-duty service members, particularly in the Los Angeles area where many military personnel reside. As the city with a significant military presence, Los Angeles County is home to numerous veterans and active-duty personnel who may be watching this case closely. The fact that Major Jason Watson was arrested in uniform, while calling for the impeachment of President Donald Trump, may spark debate about the role of military personnel in political discourse. The incident also highlights the complexities of protesting on federal property, such as the Capitol grounds, where certain areas are restricted for demonstrations. As the case unfolds, Los Angeles residents may be interested in how it intersects with local discussions about civic engagement, military service, and the exercise of First Amendment rights.
About this story
Original reporting by NBC Los Angeles (KNBC) . The Los Angeles surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit NBC Los Angeles (KNBC) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: safety ·
Published: July 2, 2026 ·
Source: NBC Los Angeles (KNBC) ·
Reading time: 3 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? An Air Force major was arrested in uniform on the steps of the Capitol after he called for the impeachment of President Donald Trump.
U.S. Capitol Police arrested Jason Watson, an active-duty service member, on Wednesday afternoon following remarks at a news conference where he said Trump and ...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 2, 2026 by NBC Los Angeles (KNBC) and curated for The Los Angeles readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Lauren Zola | NBC News at NBC Los Angeles (KNBC). To learn more about how The Los Angeles selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more safety coverage from The Los Angeles, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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