The Gold Star Families of the Abbey Gate disaster during the Biden administration’s withdrawal from Afghanistan have issued a powerful statement backing former President Donald Trump amidst media attacks following an NPR report of a “verbal and physical altercation” during his visit to Arlington National Cemetery. The visit was meant to draw attention to the White House’s withdrawal from Afghanistan, which many have likened to a Dunkirk-like disaster.
According to CNN, an individual physically blocked Trump’s team from accompanying him during the Monday visit. Two Trump campaign officials confirmed the incident, and a cemetery spokesperson told CNN that “a report was filed,” but didn’t provide further details.
Trump was at the cemetery to honor the 13 U.S. military service members killed at Kabul airport’s Abbey Gate. Monday marked three years since the tragedy.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump suggested that the incident arose from his campaign’s use of photography.
“We had given our approval for President Trump’s official videographer and photographer to attend the event, ensuring these sacred moments of remembrance were respectfully captured and so we can cherish these memories forever,” the families added.
Federal law prohibits political or election-related activities at Army National Military Cemeteries. According to 32 CFR § 553.221, any form of demonstration, including political, electoral or campaign activities, is banned within these cemeteries to maintain the solemn and respectful atmosphere appropriate to these sacred sites. The primary purpose is to honor the service and sacrifice of military personnel, and political activities are seen as inconsistent with that purpose.
A source familiar with the incident told the outlet that a cemetery official tried to prevent Trump’s team from photographing and filming in the area where recent U.S. casualties are buried. NPR reported that in response, Trump campaign staff “verbally abused and pushed the official aside.”
The Trump campaign vehemently denied any allegations of physical assault.
Trump spokesperson Steven Cheung disputed claims of a physical altercation, but said an unnamed individual decided to “physically block members of President Trump’s team during a very solemn ceremony.”
Cheung suggested Trump’s team has video to back up the claim.
Trump campaign manager Chris LaCivita shared a similar account with CNN. “President Trump was there on the invitation of the Abbey Gate Gold Star Families to honor their loved ones who gave the ultimate sacrifice for their country,” LaCivita said.
“For a despicable individual to physically prevent President Trump’s team from accompanying him to this solemn event is a disgrace and does not deserve to represent the hallowed grounds of Arlington National Cemetery,” LaCivita continued.
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