The U.S. Army said a staff member was “unexpectedly shoved” during a ceremony attended by former President Trump and his campaign at Arlington National Cemetery on Monday, but that no members of the campaign will be charged.
The incident occurred during a ceremony to commemorate 13 U.S. soldiers killed in an attack on Kabul airport during the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan in 2021. The Army confirmed reports that there had been an altercation between at least one Trump campaign official and cemetery officials.
“Participants in the August 26 ceremony and subsequent Section 60 visit were aware of federal law, Army regulations and Department of Defence policy which expressly prohibit political activity on cemetery grounds. ANC personnel who attempted to enforce compliance with these regulations were abruptly shoved aside,” the army said in a statement.
“In keeping with the courtesy expected at ANC, the employee conducted himself professionally and avoided further disruption. The incident was reported to the JBM-HH Police Station, but the employee subsequently decided not to press charges. The Army therefore considers the matter resolved,” the statement continued.
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The U.S. Army said in a statement that members of former President Donald Trump’s campaign “abruptly shoved” staff members during a ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery on Monday. (Getty Images)
“We regret this incident but also regret that ANC personnel and their professionalism have been unfairly attacked. The ANC is a national shrine where we honour our fallen armed forces and our dedicated personnel will continue to ensure that ceremonies are held with the dignity and respect that our fallen armed forces deserve,” the army added.
The cemetery has long enforced a federal law that prohibits the use of its grounds for any political activity, and cemetery officials warned that election workers could not use the event to take photos or video.
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President Trump took part in a wreath-laying ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery to mark the third anniversary of the Abbey Gate bombing, which killed 13 US troops during the withdrawal of troops from Afghanistan. (Pool)
Trump campaign spokesman Steven Chang said the staffer who blocked the photographer appeared to have a “mental illness” and that the campaign had been approved to bring the photographer.
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“The facts are that a private photographer was allowed on the grounds and, for some reason, an anonymous individual who was clearly suffering from a mental illness decided to physically disrupt a member of President Trump’s team in the middle of a very solemn ceremony,” he said.
President Trump attended the event at the invitation of the families of the fallen soldiers, who expressed their gratitude for his attendance. (Pool)
President Trump attended the event at the invitation of the fallen soldier’s family, who expressed their gratitude in a statement for his attendance.
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“We are deeply grateful that the President took the time to honor our children, stand with us in our grief, and offer his unwavering support during such a difficult time,” five of the families wrote after the ceremony. “His thoughtfulness and respect meant more than words can express.”
