A tussle between a Time magazine photographer and a Secret Service agent at a Donald Trump rally in Virginia was caught on video by bystanders and reporters and has spread on social media, according to Newsweek.
In the video, the photographer, identified Chris Morris, can be seen being thrown down onto his back on the ground by a Secret Service agent.
Bystander video shows that Morris swore at the agent as the agent attempted to get Morris back in the press area.
Morris kicks at the agent as the agent tries to restrain him.
He stands up and grabs the official's neck, saying he did so to show what the agent did to him.
Morris can be heard on one video saying, "He grabbed me. He grabbed me by the neck."
He is taken out of the auditorium by other officials.
Independent Journal reporter Joe Perticone described the agent throwing Morris to the ground as a "choke slam."
Time released a statement about the incident, confirming their photographer was involved.
"Time has contacted the U.S. Secret Service to express concerns about the level and nature of the agent’s response. Morris has also expressed remorse for his part in escalating the confrontation."
"We are relieved that Chris is feeling OK, and we expect him to be back at work soon," a Time spokesperson said.
The Trump campaign put out a statement, saying, “There was an incident involving a photographer and a USSS agent at today’s Radford University Trump rally. We are not aware of all the details surrounding the incident and all future inquiries should be directed to local law enforcement.”
And the Secret Service also acknowledged the incident in a statement.
"The Secret Service is aware of an incident involving an employee of the Secret Service that occurred earlier today in Radford, Virginia. At this time, our local field office is working with their law enforcement partners to determine the exact circumstances that led up to this incident. The Secret Service will provide further details as warranted once additional facts surrounding the situation are known."
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