Air Force Major Hit With Rare Criminal Charges After Calling For Trump’s Impeachment

An Air Force Major is facing rare criminal charges after calling for President Donald Trump's impeachment in a demonstration earlier this year, according to reports from CNN and Military.com .

Maj. Jason Watson has been charged with three counts of alleged contempt toward government officials, five counts of alleged dereliction of duty and two counts of alleged conduct unbecoming an officer under the Uniform Code of Military Justice.

Also in the news: U.S. Postal Service Issues Rules To Tighten Mail-In Voting If Court Gives OK

The contempt toward government officials charge is uncommon and is being brought after Watson held a sign urging Trump's impeachment on the U.S. Capitol steps while in uniform. He also spoke with CNN in an interview explaining his rationale for the protest, during which he expounded on his critiques of Trump.

"[Trump] has failed us," Watson said in the August interview. "Not only is he a failure as president, he is flagrantly violating the Constitution, breaking the law, engaged in rampant corruption and is killing Americans and that is unacceptable to me."

In that conversation, Watson said he was speaking out despite the consequences he could face as a service member who is subject to certain rules on participating in political events in uniform.

Watson was arrested last week and is being held in pre-trial confinement. It's not yet clear if his case will be referred to trial.

"Major Watson acted knowing the risks to his career and his liberty," Watson's attorney Chris Mutimer said in a statement to Reuters . "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."