Harris criticizes Trump's Arlington visit, prompting Gold Star mom's response: "We've been disrespected so much"

A Gold Star mother corrected former President Trump's account of his visit to Arlington Cemetery, where he paid tribute to 13 service members killed in a terrorist attack during the US withdrawal from Afghanistan.

During "America's Newsroom," Kelly Barnett, whose son, Marine Staff Sgt. Taylor Hoover, was killed during the ISIS-K assault in 2021, stated that both President Biden and Vice President Harris were invited to attend but did not show up.

Barnett revealed on Tuesday that he did not personally invite Biden or him, but Governor Cox of Utah sent him a letter about the celebration and ceremony, and advised him to attend.

Arlington Cemetery informed them about the ceremony, but they did not respond. As a result, they were aware of the ceremony and knew it would be in their best interest to attend, yet they refused.

On Monday, the national cemetery in Virginia hosted a wreath-laying ceremony for the 13 service members who were killed in the terrorist attack at Abbey Gate near Kabul's airport on August 26, 2021.

The former president was invited to the event because of his support during the grieving process of Barnett and other families, and a Trump campaign photographer was approved to record the event, as previously reported by Planet Chronicle.

After the event, NPR and the Associated Press reported that the photographer had recorded footage in a restricted area where political activity is prohibited, and the U.S. Army stated that a cemetery staffer was "abruptly pushed aside" during the event.

The Army stated that participants in the August 26th ceremony and the subsequent Section 60 visit were informed of federal laws, Army regulations, and DoD policies that strictly prohibit political activities on cemetery grounds. An ANC employee who tried to enforce these rules was suddenly pushed aside.

The Trump campaign spokesman stated that the staffer who blocked the photographers seemed to be experiencing a "mental health crisis." Additionally, he emphasized that the campaign had been granted permission to bring a photographer.

An unnamed individual, who appeared to be suffering from a mental health episode, physically blocked members of President Trump's team during a solemn ceremony, despite a private photographer being allowed on the premises.

Barnett refuted the reports, stating that she witnessed no evidence of the alleged incident and characterized the day as "tranquil" and "serene," as it was dedicated to honoring her son and the other lives lost.

"Arlington is always so respectful, quiet, and peaceful, as Barnett stated. People were whispering while we were talking. Donald Trump was close to me as we discussed Taylor and the beautiful day. I didn't hear anything, and I don't know where or why this happened."

We heard nothing the whole day until it was reported on NPR the next day.

On Saturday, Trump was accused of politicizing fallen service members by Harris during his Arlington visit.

"As Vice President, I have visited Arlington National Cemetery multiple times. It is a solemn place where we come together to honor American heroes who have given their lives in service to our nation. However, this week, it was reported that Donald Trump's team filmed a video there, resulting in an argument with cemetery staff. I want to make it clear that the former president disrespected sacred ground in pursuit of a political stunt."

The Biden-Harris administration was criticized by the families of the 13 fallen service members through an ad.

The president and vice president were criticized for not receiving phone calls and not mentioning the names of fallen service members three years ago.

"Barnett stated that they have been disrespected greatly in the past three years. Despite this, they have not received an apology or acknowledgment from those responsible. Barnett emphasized that mistakes happen in war, but this situation was not meant to be a war. Nevertheless, they felt it was important to convey their message to Donald Trump, who has been a source of comfort and support for them during their grief."

"It doesn't make sense that they throw daggers at us. It doesn't make sense they throw daggers at him, except for the fact that they weren't there, and they felt ashamed or that [they] were angry that he was with us," she continued.

Planet Chronicle' Emma Colton contributed to this report.