1 week ago
Officer Facing Three Charges After Calling for Trump Impeachment
Major Jason Watson is a U.S. military officer who publicly called for President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance to be removed from office.
He made his views known at a protest.
A video showed him holding a sign and being detained by Capitol Police.
The military has now charged him under military law.
One charge uses Article 88, a rule about insulting certain government officials.
The Air Force says Watson will stay in custody before trial.
It also says he will have the right to due process.
Watson’s lawyer says he knowingly accepted risks to his career and freedom by speaking out.
Major Jason Watson, an active-duty U.S. military officer, is facing three charges under the military justice system.
Watson protested calls for the impeachment, conviction and removal of President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance.
His lawyer said the charges include Article 88, which prohibits contemptuous words against senior officials.
The Air Force confirmed the charges and said Watson would remain in pre-trial confinement with due-process rights.
Watson previously criticized actions including going to war with Iran without congressional authorization, according to a video of the protest.
- Who
- Major Jason Watson, an active-duty U.S. military officer, is facing charges from the military justice system.
- What
- He faces three charges after calling for the impeachment, conviction and removal of Donald Trump and JD Vance.
- Where
- The protest took place in Washington, where U.S. Capitol Police detained Watson.
- When
- The charges were reported on August 25; Watson made the protest the previous month.
- Why
- The charges stem from his political protest and remarks; the lawyer said they include an allegation under Article 88 involving contemptuous words against senior officials.
Watson’s Defense
Military Authorities
Reason for the case
Watson’s Defense
Watson’s lawyer portrayed his conduct as a deliberate act of political speech and said he hoped it would encourage other Americans to speak out.
Military Authorities
The Air Force confirmed the charges under military law and said military service members face restrictions on political activity, especially while in uniform.
Applicable rule
Watson’s Defense
The defense acknowledged that Watson acted knowing his speech could threaten his career and liberty.
Military Authorities
The military alleges conduct covered by three articles, including Article 88, which prohibits officers from using contemptuous words against the president, vice president, Congress and other officials.
Legal status
Watson’s Defense
Watson’s lawyer is defending him against the charges and emphasizing his right to stand by his convictions.
Military Authorities
The Air Force said Watson remains in pre-trial confinement and will receive due process; the reported charges do not establish a final finding of guilt.
Key facts
- Defendant
- Major Jason Watson
- Charges
- Three charges under the military justice system
- Named provision
- Article 88 of the Uniform Code of Military Justice
- Current status
- Held in pre-trial confinement
- Protest demand
- Impeachment, conviction and removal of Donald Trump and JD Vance
- Air Force position
- Watson was charged and will be afforded due process
- Defense position
- His lawyer said Watson knowingly risked his career and liberty to express his convictions
Quotes
Christopher Mutimer
Lawyer representing Major Jason Watson
“It is my hope that other Americans who feel powerless in this moment will take some measure of courage from his willingness to speak and to stand by his convictions.”
theprint.in
“Major Watson acted knowing the risks to his career and his liberty.”
theprint.in
Sources
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