The U.S. Air Force placed Major Jason Watson in military custody days after his CNN interview in which he renewed his call for President Donald Trump's removal from office and criticized his policies.
An Air Force spokesman said Watson was detained on Tuesday on "potential grounds" related to allegations of continued misconduct, stressing that the investigation was still ongoing and that no formal charges had been filed as of Wednesday evening.
Watson's lawyer said his client was arrested while on duty after informing his superiors, through his lawyer, that he would not wear the military uniform.
He added that the authorities may bring charges against him under Article 88 of the Unified Military Justice Act, which relates to directing contemptuous remarks at senior officials, or Article 92, which relates to disobeying orders.
Watson was arrested in early July after participating in a protest in front of the Capitol building while wearing his military uniform, during which he called for the removal of Trump and his deputy, JD Vance.
Military regulations prohibit Americans serving in the military from wearing uniforms during political activities, and the Military Justice Code criminalizes directing disparaging remarks at the president and senior officials.
