A Rhode Island prosecutor’s attempt to weaponize her government position against police officers has backfired spectacularly, exposing the arrogant abuse of power that conservatives have long warned plagues our justice system.
Story Snapshot
- Rhode Island Special Assistant Attorney General Devon Hogan Flanagan arrested for trespassing after threatening police officers
- Bodycam footage reveals Flanagan demanding officers turn off cameras and warning “You’re going to regret this”
- Incident demonstrates classic government official abuse of power and attempted intimidation of law enforcement
- Police officers maintained professionalism and followed protocol despite threats from the prosecutor
Government Official Threatens Police During Arrest
Rhode Island Special Assistant Attorney General Devon Hogan Flanagan was arrested on August 14, 2025, outside Newport’s Clarke Cooke House restaurant for trespassing. Bodycam footage released days later shows Flanagan, apparently intoxicated, making threatening statements to officers and attempting to leverage her government position to escape consequences. Her behavior exemplifies the entitled mindset of government officials who believe themselves above the law that ordinary citizens must follow.
Demands to Silence Police Documentation
During the arrest, Flanagan repeatedly demanded that officers turn off their body cameras, a request that should alarm every American who values transparency and accountability. Her insistence on eliminating evidence of the encounter reveals a calculated attempt to operate in darkness, away from public scrutiny. This behavior undermines the very bodycam technology that protects both citizens and police officers from misconduct allegations.
Professional Police Response Despite Intimidation
Newport Police officers demonstrated remarkable professionalism while facing threats and intimidation from a high-ranking prosecutor. They refused to turn off their body cameras and continued following standard procedures despite Flanagan’s attempts to use her position for special treatment. The officers’ adherence to protocol proves that proper training and accountability measures work when law enforcement maintains integrity under pressure.
Flanagan and her companion, Veronica Hannan, were both arrested after restaurant staff called police about unwanted parties who refused to leave the premises. The incident occurred in Newport, a popular tourist destination where law enforcement regularly handles similar trespassing situations without the added complication of government officials attempting to abuse their authority.
Accountability and Public Trust at Stake
This incident represents everything wrong with government overreach and the entitled attitude of public officials who forget they serve the people, not the other way around. Flanagan’s threat that officers would “regret” doing their job reveals a vindictive mindset that has no place in our justice system. The Rhode Island Attorney General’s Office faces pressure to take swift disciplinary action to restore public confidence and demonstrate that no one is above the law.
The public release of bodycam footage serves as a crucial check on government power, providing transparency that protects citizens from abuse. Without this documentation, Flanagan’s version of events might have gone unchallenged, potentially allowing her misconduct to remain hidden. This case reinforces why conservatives consistently advocate for transparency measures and accountability in government.
Sources:
‘You’re going to regret this’: Bodycam video shows assistant attorney general’s arrest
