### Heavily Redacted Report Hints at Ongoing Investigation Into Arlington Cemetery Altercation

American Oversight, a non-partisan watchdog organization, has revealed heavily redacted records suggesting an ongoing investigation into an altercation involving Arlington National Cemetery staff and members of Donald Trump's campaign that happened in August. ABC News was the first to obtain these records last Friday, though they reveal little about the incident.

The redacted affidavit provides a brief and vague summary of the events, stating, "While working at the Arlington National Cemetery, [REDACTED] with both of [REDACTED] hands while attempting to move past [REDACTED] did not require medical attention on scene and later refused when offered. [REDACTED] rendered a sworn statement on a DA Form 2023 and stated [REDACTED] did not want to press charges.” The Army justified these redactions on the grounds of protecting the ongoing investigation's integrity.

American Oversight’s Interim Executive Director, Chioma Chukwu, expressed satisfaction that the report had been made public, highlighting that it confirms the continuation of a federal investigation into the August altercation at Arlington National Cemetery. Chukwu noted, "The alleged conduct of the former president and his staff aligns with his history of politicizing the military and violating clear ethical boundaries," underlining the importance of public access to the complete facts.

The incident, which occurred during a wreath-laying ceremony observed by Trump to commemorate the third anniversary of the deaths of 13 American service members in Afghanistan, quickly escalated into a political controversy. Reports surfaced that Trump's campaign members recorded video in Section 60—where recently fallen service members are buried—contrary to federal law prohibiting election-related activities at the cemetery.

A verbal and physical confrontation ensued when a cemetery employee confronted the campaign members. The Army later issued a statement indicating the staff member was "abruptly pushed aside," and her professionalism "unfairly attacked" as she tried to enforce the rules. In contrast, Trump's campaign claimed their staffers did nothing wrong and threatened to release footage exonerating them but never did.

Following a legal battle initiated by American Oversight in late August, U.S. Judge Paul Friedman ordered the Army to release any non-exempt portions of the incident report by last Friday. American Oversight maintains that these records rightfully belong to the public and continues to push for full transparency.