Army Report Details Incident Involving Trump Campaign Aide at Arlington Cemetery

An August incident at Arlington National Cemetery that involved a staff member from the campaign of former President Donald Trump has been the subject of a redacted police report disclosed by the U.S. Army. The report, which characterizes the incident as a "simple assault," alleges that on August 26, the campaign aide used "both hands" to obstruct a cemetery worker who was attempting to enforce regulations prohibiting the taking of photographs.

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The attendant attempted to photograph Trump in a restricted area of the cemetery, which resulted in the incident. The names of the individuals involved were redacted; however, the cemetery laborer reportedly declined to press charges and did not require medical attention. The Army acknowledged that the law enforcement investigation is still ongoing, and additional information could not be provided.

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Trump was involved in a wreath-laying ceremony to commemorate the third anniversary of the fatalities of 13 U.S. service members in Kabul, Afghanistan, which led to the altercation. Subsequently, he visited Section 60, a restricted area of the cemetery where military personnel who have perished in recent conflicts are interred.

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The internal report was disclosed after a lawsuit filed by American Oversight, a government transparency organization. The document was obtained by the group after a magistrate ordered the Defense Department to grant access.

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In a previous statement, Arlington National Cemetery underscored a federal law that forbids political activities, including photography, on the premises of Army National Military Cemeteries. The Army report has not been addressed by the Trump campaign.

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