Watchdog investigating chokeslam of journalist at Donald Trump rally

The inspector general for the Department of Homeland Security has opened a formal review into a tussle between a Time magazine photographer and a Secret Service agent at a Donald Trump rally on Feb. 29. 

In a statement on Tuesday, a spokesman for the department’s office of inspector general confirmed that it began working on an “independent investigation shortly after the incident occurred” last week.

{mosads}The investigation appears to be separate from an ongoing inquiry within the U.S. Secret Service, which is a branch of the Homeland Security Department.

“When our investigation is finished, we will publish a report describing our findings related to this specific incident and any wider management concerns that may be uncovered,” inspector general spokesman Arlen Morales added, while declining further comment on the investigation.

The probe follows videos last week that appear to show the photographer, Christopher Morris, getting slammed to the ground by a Secret Service agent in a gray suit.

The altercation appeared to follow a verbal tussle between the two men. After being told to stay within a defined perimeter for the press, Morris appears to tell the guard, “F— you.”

The Secret Service said at the time that it was looking into the matter.

Unlike many other political events, which give reporters free rein to wander about during events, Trump’s campaign often limits journalists to stay within a pen. Trump has frequently berated the press during his speeches and has proposed weakening protections for freedom of the press.

News of the inspector general review was previously reported by Politico.