Rhode Island Assistant AG Arrested for Willful Trespass Under Review

Special Assistant Attorney General Devon Hogan Flanagan was arrested by Newport police for willful trespassing outside the Clarke Cooke House restaurant after refusing to leave when asked by staff and officers. Bodycam footage shows Flanagan, apparently intoxicated, repeatedly asserting her status as an attorney general and demanding officers turn off their cameras, which police were not obligated to do under Rhode Island law. Officers described her as uncooperative and berating them during the arrest, despite her warnings that they would regret detaining her. Flanagan's companion, Veronica Hannan, also resisted and was involved in the incident. The Rhode Island Attorney General's Office has initiated a review of the arrest, which has drawn public attention as an example of tensions between law enforcement and officials attempting to use their position to avoid legal consequences. This incident has sparked commentary criticizing Flanagan's behavior and highlighting that holding a high office does not exempt one from following the law.