Air Force to investigate active-duty officer over Capitol protest

The U.S. Air Force announced Thursday that it will investigate an active-duty officer detained at the Capitol the previous day. The officer was holding a sign calling for the impeachment, conviction, and removal of the president and vice president.

Protest and detention Footage of the event shows Capitol Police officers detaining the officer, identified in reports as Major Jason Watson. The officer criticized U.S. military actions, including operations against Iran conducted without congressional approval.

" A department statement on X said the Air Force takes allegations of misconduct seriously, including those that might undermine the nonpartisan nature of the military. U.S. military regulations limit political activities by service members in uniform.

Article 88 of the Uniform Code of Military Justice prohibits officers from using contemptuous words against the president, vice president, Congress, and other U.S. representatives. Major Watson stated during the protest that what matters more than his identity is the message and the price he is willing to pay to deliver it.