Kamala Harris criticized for politicizing Trump's Arlington National Cemetery visit by Gold Star families.

The father of a Gold Star family condemned Harris' statement as "heinous, vile, and disgusting."

Kamala Harris criticized for politicizing Trump's Arlington National Cemetery visit by Gold Star families.
Kamala Harris criticized for politicizing Trump's Arlington National Cemetery visit by Gold Star families.

Gold Star family members have accused Vice President Kamala Harris of politicizing an incident at Arlington National Cemetery on Monday.

The former President Trump's Instagram account featured eight videos, each showcasing a different parent of a service member who was killed by ISIS-K terrorists during the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan on August 26, 2021.

The release of the videos was prompted by a statement from Harris on Saturday, in which she criticized Trump for taking photos at a wreath-laying ceremony on Monday. The Army announced this week that an Arlington National Cemetery official was pushed aside by Trump's staff while they were interacting.

"During my tenure as Vice President, I have frequently visited Arlington National Cemetery. However, as recently reported, the Trump team filmed a video there, which led to a confrontation with cemetery staff."

Harris next to Arlington graves
Kamala Harris was called out by Gold Star families over a statement she released about Trump on Saturday. (Getty Images)

The former president disrespected sacred ground for a political stunt, but she claimed that she would never politicize such an event.

The Gold Star family members claimed that they had requested photographs from Trump, rather than Trump taking pictures to promote his campaign. In a video, the father of Marine Lance Cpl. Jared Schmitz condemned Harris' post as "heinous, vile, and disgusting."

"Mark Schmitz stated in a video that the reason for Trump's presence was not to aid his political campaign, but rather to serve as a leader. This is why you and Joe did not receive a call."

Marine Staff Sgt. Taylor Hoover's father, Darren Hoover, stated that Harris does not possess "empathy and basic understanding" regarding Monday's event, while emphasizing that Trump's behavior was respectful.

Trump Harris split image
Vice President Kamala Harris slammed former President Donald Trump over last week's incident at Arlington National Cemetery. (Getty Images)

"We invited President Trump to pay tribute to the military members buried at the site, as we respect and honor all those who serve. We were the ones who requested the video and photos to be taken at the tomb of the Unknown Soldier."

Trump has been there for us from the very beginning, while Harris played politics over the incident, according to Hoover.

The father scolded, "Your lack of empathy and decency as a human being makes you ashamed and embarrassed. You are solely focused on power and prestige, disregarding the well-being of our military and citizens."

Trump at Arizona rally
Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump speaks at a campaign rally at the Desert Diamond Arena, Friday, Aug. 23, 2024, in Glendale, Ariz.  (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)

"Your actions or lack thereof should make you feel ashamed and lower your head in shame."

Planet Chronicle Digital reached out to the Harris campaign for comment.

by Andrea Vacchiano

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