Rhode Island’s Attorney General’s office faced a spectacle when Special Assistant Attorney General Devon Hogan Flanagan was arrested in Newport after causing a scene at a restaurant. At 9:51 p.m. on August 14, officers responded to calls from the Clarke Cooke House about Hogan and her friend, Veronica Hannan, refusing to leave the premises. The situation escalated as Hogan repeatedly shouted, “I’M AN AG,” demonstrating a troubling sense of entitlement as she berated the police.
The incident took a dramatic turn, captured on bodycam footage. Hogan’s insistence on her status as an Assistant Attorney General was met with defiance from the officers. One officer replied bluntly, “Good for you. I don’t give a sh*t,” firmly indicating that her title would not shield her from the consequences of her actions.
Meanwhile, Hannan displayed extreme behavior during the arrest. Eyewitness accounts describe her as slipping out of handcuffs, kicking, screaming, and even growling at the police. As tensions escalated, officers attempted to control the situation while managing a growing crowd drawn by the noise. “What’s wrong with you? You’re acting like a kid!” an officer admonished Hannan, encapsulating the confusion and chaos unfolding.
The Newport Police report detailed multiple attempts to get Hogan and Hannan to comply with lawful orders before resorting to arrest. Hogan’s repeated claims of her position only compounded her refusal to cooperate, leading to her eventual handcuffing. As noted in the report, Hogan was extremely uncooperative throughout the booking process, further illustrating a disdain for police authority.
Throughout this incident, the clear disregard for the law raises questions about accountability for public officials. Despite her claims of status and authority, Hogan’s behavior serves as a reminder that no one is above the law. The Newport Police demonstrated professionalism in the face of intimidation, ensuring that justice was served, regardless of Hogan’s attempt to leverage her position.
This episode reflects a troubling trend among some public officials who exhibit a sense of superiority, thinking their roles afford them special privilege. The reality is stark: lawful conduct is expected of everyone, no matter their title.
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