The incident was partially caught on video and tweeted by Joe Perticone, a DC-based reporter from the Independent Journal, as well as Gabby Morrongiello from the DC Examiner. The videos begin with the photographer, whom Reuters later identified as Time magazine photographer Chris Morris, on the ground, just after he was allegedly choke slammed.
— Joe Perticone (@JoePerticone) February 29, 2016
— Joe Perticone (@JoePerticone) February 29, 2016
— Gabby Morrongiello (@gabriellahope_) February 29, 2016
Following the incident, another video, captured by Jacqueline Alemany of CBS News, shows Morris asserting that the Secret Service officer grabbed him by the throat.
— Jacqueline Alemany (@JaxAlemany) February 29, 2016
Perticone also noted that the rally was interrupted at least seven times by protesters.
"There was an incident involving a photographer and a USSS agent at today’s Radford University Trump rally," Trump's campaign said in a statement to the Hill shortly after the incident. "We are not aware of all details surrounding the incident and all future inquiries should be directed to local law enforcement. "
The Secret Service also issued a statement later on Monday afternoon saying that they will provide more details once they uncover more details about the incident.
“The Secret Service is aware of an incident involving an employee of the Secret Service that occurred earlier today in Radford, VA. 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.”
Time Magazine is standing by their photographer and posted an article on their website responding to the incident, and their relief that he is okay.
"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. A TIME spokesperson said, 'We are relieved that Chris is feeling OK, and we expect him to be back at work soon.'"
