The Department of Homeland Security’s inspector general has launched an independent investigation into a violent altercation between a Secret Service agent and a photojournalist at a campaign rally for Donald Trump, Politico reported Monday.
Video of the February 29 incident at Radford University in Virginia showed Time photographer Chris Morris being lifted by the throat and thrown to the ground by the agent.
The altercation occurred in the press pen where the Trump campaign requires credentialed journalists to remain during its events. Morris said the agent, who has not been identified, initiated the confrontation after he stepped outside the pen to photograph Black Lives Matter protesters as they were escorted from the rally.
The Secret Service has launched its own investigation into the episode and released a statement saying it was working to “determine the exact circumstances that led up to this incident.”
The DHS’ inspector general serves as a watchdog for the department, working “to ensure integrity and efficiency in government.”
