(CNN) – A U.S. Air Force major who has been arrested twice, once on the steps of the U.S. Capitol, while calling for the impeachment of President Donald Trump is now facing criminal charges.
Maj. Jason Watson, 40, is facing several charges, including three violations of Article 88 of the Uniform Code of Military Justice for alleged “contemptuous” comments about the president. He has served in the Air Force for 17 years.
Maj. Jason Watson, 40, is facing several charges, including three violations of Article 88 of the Uniform Code of Military Justice for alleged “contemptuous” comments about the president.(Source: CNN)
Chris Mutimer, one of Watson’s attorneys, told CNN his client is the first major in the history of the military to be charged under Article 88.
“He truly believes in everything about our Constitution and what it represents and the oath that he swore,” Mutimer said. “He stands by the fact that he did this so others wouldn’t have to and to share that to anyone who’s scared and feels alone that they are not alone.”
CNN reports Watson was first arrested in July while protesting in uniform at the Capitol. He was arrested again last Tuesday just days after criticizing Trump during a CNN interview.
“Not only is [Trump] a failure as president, he is flagrantly violating the Constitution, breaking the law, engaged in rampant corruption and is killing Americans,” said Watson in the interview. “That is unacceptable to me.”
Watson faces the possibility of years in jail, being discharged from the military and loss of pay and benefits, Mutimer says.
The Air Force issued a statement last Wednesday saying Watson is presumed innocent. The Air Force District of Washington will oversee his trial if the case is referred to a general court-martial.
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