video visit rules

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Video visits from home have arrived at your facility!

To start or schedule a visit, follow the instructions below. If you have questions, please call 866-516-0115 and select the prompt for video visit.

* Note: Video visits may not be available for all inmates. 

IMPORTANT: To conduct a video visit from home, you need a personal computer, an internet connection, a web camera, a microphone, and Google Chrome as your browser.

Want to visit now, follow these steps to start an on-demand visit:.

1. Go to www.visit.telmate.com 2. Login to your account

3. Click the “Visit” link in the “Quick Links” section on the left

4. Click the person you’d like to visit with

5. Click on “Visit Now” in the “online” section

6. If inmate is available, the visit will start shortly. If the inmate is not available, you will get a message letting you know, and can schedule a visit instead

Want to Visit Later?

Follow these steps to schedule a visit:.

3. Click the “Visit” link in the Quick Links section on the left

5. Click the “Schedule a Visit” button in the “Online” section

6. Click the day you’d like to visit

7. Click the time of day you’d like to visit—morning, afternoon or evening 8. Click the desired length of your visit 9. Click the time you’d like the visit to start

10. Click the green “Confirm” button

11. Read and accept the terms of video visits by clicking the check boxes next to each statement and then clicking the green “I Agree”

IMPORTANT: The inmate must accept your requested visit before it can be confirmed. You will know your visit request was accepted when you receive an email saying “Your Video Visit is Scheduled”.

Don’t Have an Account?

Follow these steps to create one:.

1. Go to www.visit.telmate.com

2. Click the “Create Online Account” button

3. Agree to the terms

4. Provide your information (all fields with an asterisk are required, there are two screens)

5. Verify your account using either your phone number or email address

6. Allow Flash to access your camera and microphone by clicking “Allow” (you will need this access turned on to use video visits)

7. Follow the steps to test your equipment

Have questions?   Please call 866-516-0115 and select the prompt for video visit

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News Releases

CDCR to Offer User‑friendly Scheduling App for Video Visits

Starting with four institutions this month, friends and family can begin self-scheduling video visits and receive instant confirmation

Video visitation will allow families to connect virtually in real-time during the pandemic

SACRAMENTO – As part of its continued effort to improve the video visiting experience, the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation announced today it will provide a user-friendly tool to help friends and family schedule visits with incarcerated people.

The Visitation Scheduling Application (VSA) can be accessed on smart phones, tablets and computers, and will allow approved visitors to easily schedule their own video visits and receive instant confirmation.

CDCR will begin making the VSA application available to approved visitors at the following four institutions:

• San Quentin State Prison
• California Institution for Men
• Valley State Prison
• Central California Women’s Facility

Starting on Monday, Jan. 18 through Friday, Jan. 22, prospective visitors with loved ones at those facilities must create an account on the VSA system. A step-by-step guide and video are available on CDCR’s website.

From Saturday, Jan. 23 at 12 a.m. through Wednesday, Jan. 27 at 12 a.m., approved visitors at the initial four institutions will be able to start using the app to schedule visits for the weekend of Jan. 30 and Jan. 31.

Users of the scheduling application will be able to choose from day and time options and they will know immediately if they were successful securing a visiting time. Visits will continue to be held on weekends and holidays. Most facilities will schedule their visits between 8:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m., but hours may vary. Each eligible person will be allowed a free 30-minute video visit every 30 days.

Dates on the availability of the scheduling application for additional prisons will be posted on CDCR’s Visiting Information page , and will be phased in all institutions in the coming weeks.

CDCR has implemented video visiting in all 35 prisons, as in-person visiting continues to be suspended due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Laptop and desktop computers are set up in designated visiting areas in the prisons for the incarcerated population to access. Institutions are following all safety guidelines, including physical distancing and sanitation of each station following a visit. All video visits are secure. The communication is encrypted and CDCR processes ensure that approved visitors are validated and only those approved visitors may join the visit. 

Visitors must follow normal visitation rules and have the necessary equipment and internet access to conduct the video visit.

As with all visitation at our institutions, visiting may be canceled at any time for numerous public or institution health and safety reasons. Daily updates on each prison’s visiting status can be found on our website. All visitors should check the VPASS Facility Status webpage before any scheduled visit to ensure the institution is still open for visiting.

Communication via phone, including two free phone calls per month, as well as mail and electronic mail at some institutions, has remained available. For additional information on CDCR’s COVID-19 response, additional updates and information can be found here: https://www.cdcr.ca.gov/covid19/cdcr-cchcs-covid-19-status/

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: [email protected]

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Video Visitation

The michigan department of corrections offers video visitation as an avenue for those incarcerated and their families to connect. .

Visitors on the Approved Visitor List of a prisoner will be able to request a video visit once the facility where the prisoner is housed has begun online scheduling. If you are not on an Approved Visitor List, please visit our Visiting a Prisoner Page  for information on the application process.  Video Visiting Standards can be found  here .

Video Visitation Steps for Approved Visitors

• The Approved Visitor should navigate to the GTL Visitor website by clicking here .
• The Approved Visitor will need to create an account on the GTL Visitor website and request to visit the prisoner at their assigned facility.
• Once approved on the GTL site, the Approved Visitor will then be able to request a scheduled video visit for prisoners at that facility.
• Length of Video Visits: 20 minutes
• Cost of Video Visits: The cost of a scheduled twenty (20) minute video visit is $3.20.
• Payment:  The video visit must be paid for in advance by the person scheduled the visit.
• Scheduling Window:  Video visits may be scheduled no MORE THAN 7 DAYS in advance of the scheduled visit and not after 48 hours.

Updated: 10/11/23

Video Visitation

Video visitation is available at all DOC facilities. This allows people to visit an inmate from any location with a computer that has a camera. To participate in a video visit with an inmate, a person must be on the inmate's approved visitors list. To schedule a video visit, go to www.Jpay.com . If the visitor has not already done so, he or she will have to establish an account with JPay. 

• The length of a video visit is 15 minutes and costs $3.50.

• Video visits can be scheduled on the whole and half hour. Each facility has different video visiting schedules. The JPay website will direct you to the open visit times for your loved one's living unit.

For friends and family who do not have the necessary equipment to conduct a video visit (see below) or their loved one is not eligible for video visits, videograms are an excellent alternative. A videogram is a 30-second video that can be recorded with a smartphone and sent to an inmate electronically. The cost is 4 stamps ($1.60). For additional information on videograms, click here: https://mn.gov/doc/family-visitor/contact-and-general-information/send-videogram/

Video visitation is a privilege for incarcerated people and some are not eligible for video visits because of current visiting restrictions or disciplinary status. Each incarcerated person should know whether he or she is eligible to receive video visits. It is also a privilege for friends and family that can be suspended for misconduct.

Video visiting scheduling is unique to each facility and each living unit. The JPay website is set up so you can only schedule a visit when the kiosk is available in the inmate's living unit. That does not mean, however, that the inmate is available. It is best to check with the inmate you are visiting to agree upon a time before you schedule.

All video visits are recorded and subject to monitoring. Video visits can be terminated for incarcerated people or visitor misconduct and no refund will be given. Incarcerated people and visitors can also lose video visiting privileges if they violate the rules.

Joining a video visitation

Scheduling a video visitation

Testing a webcam for a video visitation

Troubleshooting video visitations

Video visitation FAQs

Video Visitation Rules

How does the video visitation system work? The system connects the offender in his or her living unit to the visitor on a computer. Participants can see and hear each other throughout the visit. The visitor must use a computer that has a camera and sound.

How often can I video visit? Video visits do not count against an incarcerated person's visiting hours. How often you visit is limited by the availability of the kiosk in the living unit and their schedule.

When can I video visit? Each living unit in each facility can have a different video visiting schedule. When you log into the JPay website and select the inmate that you want to visit, the available times will be displayed. However, you should still check with the incarcerated person to see if he or she is available at that time.

How long is a video visit? 15 minutes

How much does a video visit cost? $3.50

Click Here for Information About Sending Videograms

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Video Visitation Center

The Video Visitation Center for all inmates is located at 14500 49 th  Street North in the Pinellas County Jail Administration Support Building. All visitors and their guests (including minors) must schedule visits no later than midnight the prior day. Same-day visits will not be accommodated. Reservations to visit inmates will be accepted on a first come, first served basis. Reservations will be accepted up to one week in advance. Reservations are taken 24 hours a day, 7 days a week online.   Click here to schedule a visit .  For assistance using the website, please contact 727-464-6842 between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., 7 days a week.

Three people may visit: one adult with two children – or – two adults with one child. No more than two adult visitors at one time.

You must be 18 years of age or older and have a valid photo ID to make an appointment. All adult visitors must present a valid photo identification card (State-issued ID/Driver License/Passport/Military ID) for admittance to the Video Visitation Center. Persons under the age of 18 are not permitted without an adult and must remain with an adult throughout the visit.

Public Video Visitation Hours:

All visits will be 40 minutes long.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

Please read the following information to avoid delays or cancellation of visitation.

The following criteria  MUST  be met to ensure safety, security, and a pleasant visitation period for all concerned:

• All adult visitors must present a valid photo identification card (State-issued ID/Driver License/Passport/Military ID) for admittance to the Video Visitation Center.
• No weapons of any kind.
• Drugs, alcohol, food, drink, tobacco, or vape products are  NOT  allowed.
• All electronic devices, including cell phones and tablets, must be turned off or visits will be terminated.
• No revealing or offensive apparel. No clothing which unduly exposes the shoulders, chest, back, stomach, midriff, or upper thigh. This includes but is not limited to: halter tops, strapless tops, tube tops, spaghetti strap tops, and bathing suits. The upper thigh should not be visible above an appropriate mid-thigh level (this includes shorts, rips in jeans, skirts, dresses, etc.)
• No transparent or revealing clothing which is intended to excessively accent the body will be permitted. (Nothing excessively form fitting will be permitted).
• Appropriate undergarments are required but should not be visible.
• Any shirt, jacket, hat, or other article of clothing with a picture or language that maybe considered profane or offensive, or is considered a Security Threat Group (STG) or gang related, will not be allowed.
• Some type of footwear must be worn in the Visitation Center.
• No standing or posing during the visit.
• Visit only the inmate you signed up for.
• Do not leave trash, etc. in the visiting booths or visitation area.
• Do not damage or deface visiting booths or phones.  Immediate termination of visit will occur. Future visits may be restricted or denied .
• Conduct by any visitor, including children, that is disruptive or disrespectful in any manner will not be tolerated. The visit will be canceled at any time due to disrespectful conduct if it is deemed necessary by the supervisor or member in charge.

These guidelines, as well as the posted rules and regulations, will be strictly enforced.

REMOTE VIDEO VISITATION

The Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office Visitation Center now offers Remote Video Visitation. Visitors will have the option to visit remotely from a computer or smart device in lieu of reporting to the Visitation Center. Remote visiting hours will coincide with the on-site visiting hours. To conduct video visitations remotely, your computer must be equipped with a camera and microphone. The use of headphones or ear buds is highly recommended. Due to limited available time slots, visitors are encouraged to attend their scheduled visits. Any visitor who fails to show up for their assigned visit or cancels their visit on the same day, more than one time, will be subject to have their remote visit privileges suspended for 30 days for each future “no show” or “same day cancelation.” 

Prior to visiting remotely, visitors must:

• Established visitors do not need to create a new account.
• Simply log into the visitor profile and launch the visit from any internet browser.

Check in within 15 minutes prior to the scheduled visit time. Failure to do so will result in the visit being cancelled. Visitor must have their registered form of ID ready for verification.

DESKTOP VERSION:

1. Run Internet Visit Tester to check microphone, camera, and bandwidth.

2. Click Play button next to Start Visit .

MOBILE VERSION:

1.  Run Video Visit Tester to check microphone, camera, and bandwidth.

2. Click Launch Video .

Improper conduct that could compromise the security or orderly operation of the jail facility is not allowed and could result in the visit being terminated. Such conduct includes, but is not limited to:

• Exposure of sexual organs (to include female breasts).
• Obvious impairment caused by drugs or alcohol, or use of either, during the visit.
• Video conferencing with a third party on a tablet or cellphone.
• Taking photographs or videos of inmates.
• Posing or positioning the camera to show chest level or below will not be permitted.
• Non-compliance with dress code (see above for reference).
• Any action deemed inappropriate by the visitation center staff.

A visitor who demonstrates inappropriate or disruptive conduct may be restricted, or permanently banned, from any future visitation.

PROFESSIONAL VISITOR INFORMATION

The Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office shall allow professional visitors (attorneys) to sign in and conduct video visitations remotely. If you are a professional visitor and would like to request access to conduct video visitations remotely, please follow the directions here,  How To Create A Professional Visitor Account For Video Visitation.pdf , to create an account. After your account has been created and you have received a verification that your account has been approved, please view the document here,  How To Schedule A Professional Visit In Video Visitation.pdf , to schedule a video visitation session. Once your account has been identified as professional in our video visitation system, your sessions will not be monitored or recorded. Please note that to conduct video visitations remotely, your computer must be equipped with a camera and microphone. The use of headphones or ear buds is highly recommended.

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Duke Virtual Visit FAQs

This page includes answers to common questions about Duke Health’s video visit service for medical appointments. If you need additional help, you can contact our telehealth support staff at 919-684-1598. You can also read about how to prepare for your telehealth appointment and  review instructions for the day of your video visit .

Frequently Asked Questions

• How should I prepare for my video visit?
• Do I need My Duke Health for a video visit?
• Do I need any other apps besides My Duke Health?
• Will my camera, audio, and internet automatically work for my video visit?
• What if my self-test says there are errors or that my device does not work?
• How do I check in for my appointment?
• On the day of my appointment, when should I start my video visit?
• I was in the Virtual Waiting Room, and my connection dropped while waiting for my provider -- what should I do?
• Is it possible to have a family member or interpreter to join me for the video visit?
• Can teens use My Duke Health for video visits?
• What if I am having trouble setting up my video visit, or having trouble on the day of the visit?
• What if I have clinical questions or need to reschedule my appointment?

How should I prepare for my video visit? It is required that you treat your video visit like a normal clinic appointment with your provider. Video visits have the best outcomes if you are in a private, quiet space where you and your provider can share undivided attention. Being able to clearly communicate any symptoms and health issues is more important than ever to help us understand your needs. We have additional steps and information you can use before you log on with your provider.

If you have had tests done recently, your provider will be able to share the test results with you and answer other questions you have about your care.

Do I need My Duke Health for a video visit? Yes. If you do not have an active My Duke Health (previously Duke MyChart) account, you can sign up online with an access code provided by your doctor or request a code to create an account . If you are unable to create a My Duke Health account, call your clinic and ask to have an in-person visit.

If you’re using a mobile device (smartphone or tablet), use the My Duke Health app, which can be downloaded from the Apple Store or Google Play . A video visit can’t be held over a web browser on your mobile device.

Do I need any other apps besides My Duke Health? Yes. You need to download Zoom video chat for your computer or from the Apple Store or Google Play for your mobile device. You do not need to create an account to access your video visit, but you must have Zoom downloaded and installed.

Will my camera, audio, and internet automatically work for my video visit? We recommended that you perform a self-test before your visit to confirm if your camera is functional for your video visit. You can run a test at any time through Zoom by visiting the Zoom website from your computer or mobile device. Click the “Join” button and following any additional instructions on your screen.

What if my self-test says there are errors or that my device does not work? Contact Duke’s telehealth support team at (919) 684-1598.

How do I check in for my appointment? Your virtual appointment has a check-in process just like an in-person visit, and can be completed online up to five days in advance. We recommend you complete your eCheck-in at least one day ahead of time to ensure you have as much time as possible with your provider.

If you need help, see our eCheck-in step-by-step guide .

On the day of my appointment, when should I start my video visit? A button marked “Begin Video Visit” will become available in My Duke Health 30 minutes before the start time. We recommend logging into the visit via your Duke My Duke Health account 15 to 30 minutes before your appointment.

Additional information is this step-by-step guide .

I was in the Virtual Waiting Room, and my connection dropped while waiting for my provider -- what should I do? If your connection drops, go back to My Duke Health, click “Appointments,” and click the “Begin Video Visit” button again.

Is it possible to have a family member or interpreter to join me for the video visit? Yes, but you’ll need to first talk with your provider about having another person who will hear your personal medical information. You can ask your provider ahead of time by messaging them in My Duke Health, or discussing it once you’ve begun your video visit.

Can teens use My Duke Health for video visits? If you are between the ages of 12 and 17, your parent or guardian must have a My Duke Health proxy account , and you must have your own teen account in order to use the video visit function. If you do not have your own teen account, ask your provider for access at your next appointment or call customer service at 919-620-4555 or 800-782-6945 between 8:00 am and 5:00 pm Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday, or between 8:00 am and 4:00 pm Thursday.

What if I am having trouble setting up my video visit, or having trouble on the day of the visit? If you’re not sure how to attend your virtual appointment or have trouble with your eCheck-in process ahead of the visit, call our telehealth support staff at 919-684-1598. We recommend troubleshooting any issues before the day of your appointment. If you need additional help the day of your video visit, you can call our support staff 30 minutes prior to your appointment to walk through the steps for logging you in.

What if I have clinical questions or need to reschedule my appointment? Please contact your provider’s office.

Trump campaign violated rules in Arlington National Cemetery visit, cemetery legal expert explains

Professor of Law, Wake Forest University

Disclosure statement

Tanya D. Marsh does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

Wake Forest University provides funding as a member of The Conversation US.

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The public furor continues over Donald Trump’s behavior during a visit to Arlington National Cemetery on Aug. 26, 2024.

Since that visit to the U.S. military burial ground outside Washington, D.C., news reports and campaign photos have emerged showing the former president grinning widely and giving a “thumbs-up” gesture while standing behind the grave of an American serviceman killed during the 2021 U.S. evacuation from Afghanistan . Visible in those images, too, are the graves of two U.S. Army Green Berets.

The Trump campaign later released video showing images of him in Arlington National Cemetery with audio criticizing the Biden administration for its handling of the withdrawal from Afghanistan.

Trump’s politicking and seemingly cavalier demeanor at a site marked by signs declaring itself “America’s most sacred shrine” have spurred many critical commentaries in the media , including from former military leaders .

For his part, Trump complained on Truth Social on Sept. 3, 2024, that reports of the incident were a “made up story by Comrade Kamala and her misinformation squad.” His campaign staff says it had permission from the family of one soldier buried at Arlington to take photos and video in the cemetery.

But as a legal scholar specializing in cemetery law , I know that their permission is irrelevant. They are not cemetery officials. The law allows cemeteries to make their own rules.

And Arlington National Cemetery has, by far, the strictest rules of any cemetery in the United States. It is clear to me that the actions of Trump and his campaign staff were outside the rules of a place that orders visitors to “conduct yourselves with dignity and respect at all times.”

A unique legal situation – and a unique cemetery

Arlington National Cemetery, where over 400,000 U.S. service members and relatives have been buried since 1864, is one of 164 national cemeteries established by Congress and administered by the federal government. These cemeteries were first created in 1862 , during the Civil War.

Most of the cemeteries have since been transferred to the Department of Veterans Affairs or National Park Service , but Arlington National Cemetery remains under the control of the Department of the Army .

Arlington is no ordinary cemetery. Federal law says it is “ a national shrine to the honored dead of the Armed Forces .” Therefore, the law says, “certain acts and activities, which may be appropriate elsewhere, are not appropriate” at Arlington.

In general, cemetery owners – religious organizations, local governments, nonprofits, for-profits and families – decide who may be interred on their land, the size and configuration of burial plots and the rights of plot owners. Cemeteries are permitted to define a visitor code of conduct and regulate what activities can take place at the cemetery.

These rules supersede the wishes of the family members of those interred in a cemetery. For example, cemeteries may prohibit families from placing plastic flowers on a grave, or require headstones to be in specific shapes or sizes.

A quick recap of events

Trump went to Arlington National Cemetery at the invitation of members of the families of two U.S. Marines killed in a bombing at the Kabul airport on Aug. 26, 2021.

After presenting a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier , which honors the nation’s war dead, Trump and his campaign staff visited the grave of at least one of those slain Marines, accompanied by members of the Marine’s family.

As Trump’s campaign staff took photos and video of Trump and the others standing among the graves, a cemetery employee approached to explain that political activity is prohibited at Arlington. A Trump campaign staffer allegedly ignored the warning and “ verbally abused and pushed the official aside ,” according to NPR.

The cemetery employee reported the encounter to military police but declined to press charges – reportedly for fear of being harassed by Trump supporters .

The next day, the Army itself took the unusual step of issuing a formal statement rebuking a public figure for inappropriate behavior in one of its cemeteries.

“ Federal law prohibits political campaign or election-related activities within Army National Military Cemeteries,” the Aug. 27 statement said, “to include photographers, content creators or any other persons attending for purposes, or in direct support of a partisan political candidate’s campaign.”

Arlington’s rules

Many modern cemeteries permit all kinds of activities, even hosting running races or movie nights .

Not Arlington.

Its rules bar running, cycling, picnicking and animals other than service animals or military working dogs. “Disrespectful and disorderly” conduct is specifically prohibited at Arlington, and all visitors “shall observe proper standards of decorum and decency” while in the cemetery. The rules also bar “ partisan political activities .”

In general, the public may take photos at Arlington, as may the media, with prior authorization and an escort . As of at least April 2022, however, no one may film in the cemetery for “ partisan, political or fundraising purposes ” – which is precisely what Trump appears to have done.

His team violated another rule, too – one stating that headstones may not be filmed without written authorization from the deceased’s next of kin. Trump’s campaign apparently received permission from at least one family to film their relative’s headstone, but it did not get permission from the families associated with all the headstones visible in the footage.

The rules governing visitors at Arlington National Cemetery are not criminal laws. Violating them cannot result in jail time or even a fine. Instead, the cemetery’s executive director has the authority to remove violators from the cemetery and bar them from returning. The Army has said it “ considers the matter closed ” and has not said whether anyone has been told not to return to the cemetery.

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• 2024 US presidential election

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Trump Videos at Arlington Stir More Fallout After Gravesite Visit

The family of a Green Beret buried there expressed concern about videos and photos taken by his grave. And a cemetery employee declined to press charges after an altercation with the Trump team, fearing retribution.

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By Chris Cameron Maggie Haberman and Eric Schmitt

Chris Cameron was traveling with Donald J. Trump during his visit to Arlington National Cemetery.

• Aug. 28, 2024

The family of a Green Beret who died by suicide after serving eight combat tours and is buried at Arlington National Cemetery expressed concern on Wednesday that Donald J. Trump’s campaign had filmed his gravesite without permission as Mr. Trump stood in an area where campaign photography isn’t allowed.

Relatives of Master Sgt. Andrew Marckesano issued their statement two days after Mr. Trump’s visit, which also included a confrontation between members of the Trump campaign and an Arlington employee. The former president’s campaign took video in a heavily restricted section of the cemetery known as Section 60, which is largely reserved for the fallen veterans of the Iraq and Afghanistan wars.

A woman who works at the cemetery filed an incident report with the military authorities over the altercation. But the official, who has not been identified, later declined to press charges. Military officials said she feared Mr. Trump’s supporters pursuing retaliation.

Sergeant Marckesano died on July 7, 2020, after moving to Washington to begin a job at the Pentagon. He had three children, and friends said he had chronic post-traumatic stress disorder from his time in combat. He earned Silver and Bronze Stars during his service. His gravesite is adjacent to that of Staff Sergeant Darin Taylor Hoover, a Marine who was killed in the 2021 bombing at Abbey Gate outside the Kabul airport in Afghanistan.

The Hoover family granted permission to the Trump team to film and take photographs at the gravesite; the Marckesano family did not, and filming and photographing at the gravesite for political purposes is a violation of federal law, according to cemetery officials. Yet Sergeant Marckesano’s grave was shown in photos from the visit that were published online. A video was posted to Mr. Trump’s TikTok account featuring footage from the Section 60 visit and the gravestones from behind, with narration criticizing the handling of the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan in 2021.

In a statement from Sergeant Marckesano’s relatives after being contacted by The New York Times, his sister, Michele, said, “We fully support Staff Sergeant Darin Hoover’s family and the other families in their quest for answers and accountability regarding the Afghanistan withdrawal and the tragedy at Abbey Gate.”

“However,” she added, “according to our conversation with Arlington National Cemetery, the Trump campaign staffers did not adhere to the rules that were set in place for this visit to Staff Sergeant Hoover’s gravesite in Section 60, which lays directly next to my brother’s grave.”

Sergeant Marckesano’s sister continued, “We hope that those visiting this sacred site understand that these were real people who sacrificed for our freedom and that they are honored and respected accordingly.”

Steven Cheung, a Trump campaign spokesman, did not address the statement from the Marckesano family, saying when asked about the TikTok video only that “the campaign will continue to respect the wishes of the Gold Star family members who invited President Trump.”

Sergeant Marckesano had served six tours in Afghanistan with the 82nd Airborne and others in combat overseas, according to news accounts at the time of his death. His family is said to have sought privacy since his death.

In the aftermath of the Monday altercation, the Army has closed the matter, after the Arlington official declined to press charges. According to three U.S. military officials, some Trump campaign members confronted and eventually pushed past the cemetery official when she tried to stop them from taking photos in Section 60.

Two Trump campaign officials, Mr. Cheung and Chris LaCivita, had insulted the cemetery worker in public statements on Tuesday. Mr. Cheung asserted that she was “suffering from a mental health episode” while Mr. LaCivita said that she was a “despicable individual” who “does not deserve to represent the hallowed grounds of Arlington National Cemetery.”

Military officials said that the cemetery worker feared that pursuing the matter with the authorities at Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall in Virginia, which has jurisdiction over the cemetery, could subject her to retaliation from Trump supporters. Mr. Cheung said in a statement on Wednesday that “that is ridiculous and sounds like someone who has Trump Derangement Syndrome.”

The Trump team had said it was prepared to release footage of the altercation, but never did.

Several Army officials, speaking on the condition of anonymity to discuss confidential aspects of the matter, on Wednesday sought to keep the politically charged issue from escalating. But at the same time, they defended the cemetery official and pushed back on attacks from the Trump campaign, with one official saying that the woman at the cemetery was just trying to do her job.

Since Monday, the former president’s cemetery visit has become increasingly scrutinized for its political nature.

He was there for a wreath-laying ceremony honoring 13 American troops who were killed in the Abbey Gate bombing during the United States’ Afghanistan withdrawal three years ago. Mr. Trump has said President Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris bear responsibility for the bombing and America’s chaotic withdrawal, and repeated his attacks on the subject in campaign events after his visit to the cemetery.

Mr. Trump had laid three wreaths at the Tomb of the Unknowns on Monday morning, the third anniversary of the Abbey Gate bombing. Two of the wreaths were for Marines killed: Sergeant Hoover and Sgt. Nicole Gee. A third was dedicated to all 13 troops killed.

Mr. Trump was accompanied there by family members of the two slain Marines, as well as Sgt. Tyler Vargas-Andrews and Corporal Kelsee Lainhart , two Marines who were injured in the Abbey Gate attack.

Mr. Trump then accompanied the families and Marine veterans to Section 60. That part of Mr. Trump’s visit was private and closed to the press, and resulted in the confrontation . In a statement, the cemetery said that federal law prohibited political campaigning or “election-related” activities within Army cemeteries, including by photographers, and that the prohibition was “widely shared” with those participating in the event.

For centuries the United States has tried to keep military might and partisan politics far from each other, to avoid the appearance of allegiances to a political party or ideology. Because of this, military members are forbidden from participating in partisan activities or endorsing candidates while in uniform and military bases are off-limits for political campaigns.

It was unclear on Wednesday whether the Defense Department would pursue a legal claim related to the episode.

Campaigning in Erie, Pa., on Wednesday, Senator JD Vance of Ohio, Mr. Trump’s running mate, blamed “some staff member” at the cemetery for the incident and criticized the media for reporting on it.

“Apparently somebody at Arlington Cemetery, some staff member had a little disagreement with somebody,” Mr. Vance said. “And they have turned — the media has turned this into a national news story.”

Photos of Mr. Trump’s visit to Section 60 were later published online. Mr. Trump was photographed giving a “thumbs up” to the camera standing behind the grave of Sergeant Hoover, with Sergeant Marckesano’s grave clearly visible a few feet away. Mr. Trump posted the video on TikTok on Tuesday that also showed the two headstones from behind as Mr. Trump laid flowers.

Gov. Spencer Cox of Utah, who published one photo of himself and Mr. Trump standing behind the graves on social media, apologized on Wednesday for including other photos of the visit to Section 60 in a campaign email that solicited donations.

“This was not a campaign event and was never intended to be used by the campaign,” Mr. Cox said on social media . “It did not go through the proper channels and should not have been sent. My campaign will be sending out an apology.”

Michael C. Bender contributed reporting from Erie, Pa., and Dave Philipps from Colorado Springs.

Chris Cameron covers politics for The Times, focusing on breaking news and the 2024 campaign. More about Chris Cameron

Maggie Haberman is a senior political correspondent reporting on the 2024 presidential campaign, down ballot races across the country and the investigations into former President Donald J. Trump. More about Maggie Haberman

Eric Schmitt is a national security correspondent for The Times, focusing on U.S. military affairs and counterterrorism issues overseas, topics he has reported on for more than three decades. More about Eric Schmitt

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Army says Arlington National Cemetery worker was 'pushed aside' by Trump aides

Quil Lawrence

Stephen Fowler

TRUMP CAMP ARLINGTON POLITICS

Graves with flags for Memorial Day are seen in Section 60 of Arlington National Cemetery, in Arlington, Va., on May 27. Jacquelyn Martin/AP hide caption

The U.S. Army said an employee at Arlington National Cemetery who tried to "ensure adherence" to rules that prohibit political activities at the cemetery "was abruptly pushed aside," but that the employee decided not to press charges against the Trump campaign staffers who allegedly pushed her.

The statement Thursday comes in response to NPR's reporting on former President Donald Trump's visit to Arlington and an altercation his staff had with a cemetery employee.

"Participants in the August 26th ceremony and the subsequent Section 60 visit were made aware of federal laws, Army regulations and DoD policies, which clearly prohibit political activities on cemetery grounds," the statement said. "An ANC employee who attempted to ensure adherence to these rules was abruptly pushed aside. Consistent with the decorum expected at ANC, this employee acted with professionalism and avoided further disruption. The incident was reported to the JBM-HH police department, but the employee subsequently decided not to press charges. Therefore, the Army considers this matter closed."

The Army, in its statement, called the incident "unfortunate," adding: "it is also unfortunate that the ANC employee and her professionalism has been unfairly attacked."

Because federal law prohibits Army employees from being involved with any political campaign, the staff at the cemetery did not deal directly with the Trump campaign about his visit there. A source familiar with the event said the cemetery staff worked with the staff of Republican Congressman Brian Mast of Florida, who joined Trump at Arlington.

Arlington Cemetery staff dealt directly with Mast’s chief of staff, James Langenderfer, briefing him extensively on the rules, which include no campaign events at the cemetery. They also reiterated that only an official Arlington National Cemetery photographer — and no campaign photographer — could be used at Section 60, the location of the recent American war dead. The source said Langenderfer told them the Trump campaign agreed to these rules.

Fallout continues after Trump campaign incident at Arlington National Cemetary

NPR reached out to Mast’s staff and asked if Langenderfer was briefed and relayed that information to the Trump campaign. They did not address the questions but instead released a statement.

In the statement to NPR, Mast said: "President Trump conducted no politics at Arlington National Cemetery."

The statement comes a day after Trump shared a TikTok video including footage from Arlington National Cemetery that likely violates a federal law against using military cemeteries for campaigning purposes.

NPR reported that Trump campaign staffers had a physical altercation with an Arlington National Cemetery staffer on Monday over the restriction.

It's not the first time Trump has been accused of politicizing the military, but the campaign is seeking to downplay what happened in the aftermath.

Trump campaign staff had altercation with official at Arlington National Cemetery

Trump was at Arlington on Monday to commemorate the third anniversary of an attack in Afghanistan that killed 13 U.S. service members amid the disastrous withdrawal of troops. Trump and other Republicans have blamed President Biden and Vice President Harris for the chaos and loss of life.

The 21-second video posted on Trump's TikTok account shows the former president laying a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and several snippets of Trump joining Gold Star family members at gravesites of their loved ones in a part of the cemetery known as Section 60 .

"We lost 13 great, great people — what a horrible day it was," Trump says over somber music. “We didn't lose one person in 18 months, and then they took over the disaster, the leaving of Afghanistan.”

Trump has been making this claim about 18 months without military casualties during his administration for years, and it’s not true. The 18-month period from February 2020 to August 2021 saw no combat-related deaths in Afghanistan, with part of that when Biden was in office.

The Trump campaign was not authorized to film or photograph in Section 60, federal law prohibits the use of military cemeteries for campaign events, and two campaign staffers got in a physical and verbal altercation with the Arlington staffer who tried to prevent the filming.

In a statement after NPR's original story, family members present Monday said they invited Trump and gave approval for his photographer and videographer to document an emotional moment of remembrance.

Arlington National Cemetery’s Section 60 is a focus of controversy. What is the area?

Some of those family members also spoke at the Republican National Convention, bashing Biden and vocally endorsing Trump.

"Joe Biden may have forgotten that our children died, but we have not forgotten — Donald Trump has not forgotten," said Cheryl Juels in Milwaukee at the RNC in July. Juels is the aunt of Sgt. Nicole Gee, one of the 13 U.S. service members killed at Abbey Gate in Afghanistan in 2021.

"Joe Biden owes the men and women that served in Afghanistan a debt of gratitude and an apology. Donald Trump loves this country and will never forget the sacrifice and bravery of our service members," she added. "Join us in putting him back in the White House."

Though the loved ones said they were OK with the cameras present, the families do not have the power to suspend the rules.

The family of Master Sgt. Andrew Marckesano, a Green Beret who died by suicide after serving multiple combat tours and who is buried in Section 60, said according to their conversations with the cemetery, "the Trump campaign staffers did not adhere to the rules that were set in place for this visit."

"We hope that those visiting this sacred site understand that there were real people who sacrificed for our freedom and that they are honored and respected and treated accordingly," they said in a statement.

The Trump campaign responds

In the aftermath of the visit to Arlington, the Trump campaign's response has taken on a tone of nastiness. One spokesman said the cemetery staffer was "clearly suffering from a mental health episode" and promised to release footage of the encounter but has so far declined to do so.

On the campaign trail in Pennsylvania on Wednesday, the Republican vice presidential nominee, Sen. JD Vance of Ohio, said Harris could "go to hell" over the Afghanistan withdrawal and blamed reporters for the campaign's controversy, which he called a "disagreement."

"You guys in the media, you're acting like Donald Trump filmed a TV commercial at a grave site," Vance said. "He was there providing emotional support to a lot of brave Americans who lost loved ones they never should have lost. And there happened to be a camera there, and somebody gave him permission to have that camera there.”

Trump echoed that argument Thursday, doubling down on attacks against Harris and Biden in a clip posted to his campaign's Trump Social account from a campaign event in Michigan.

"She does not respect you, ask the families of the 13 incredible servicemember heroes who died during the surrender of Afghanistan — which was surrendered by Kamala and 'Sleepy Joe' — whether or not Kamala Harris cares about our young people and our military," Trump said.

Meanwhile, Utah Gov. Spencer Cox, who attended the Arlington events with Trump, apologized in a social media post for sending a campaign fundraising email with a photo of him and the former president in Section 60 with the family of Staff Sgt. Darin Taylor Hoover.

Cox's official gubernatorial X account posted a photo from the restricted area, and the post is still online.

This is not the first time Trump has been accused of politicizing the military for his personal gain. He has allegedly called dead soldiers " suckers" and "losers ," insulted the late Sen. John McCain for being a prisoner of war and recently stoked controversy for saying civilian Presidential Medal of Freedom recipients are much better than those who received the Medal of Honor — the highest military award in the country, often given posthumously.