This is never okay.
A Rhode Island prosecutor is under fire after her arrest for alleged trespassing was caught on police body camera, sparking outrage from Republicans who say the shocking footage exposes the arrogance of political insiders.
Body Cam Video Shows Heated Confrontation
Special Assistant Attorney General Devon Hogan Flanagan was arrested on August 14 outside the Clarke Cooke House restaurant in Newport. The body cam footage, now widely circulated, shows Flanagan repeatedly insisting she is “an AG,” attempting to use her position to avoid accountability.
At least a dozen times, she tells officers her title before being placed in the back of a cruiser. In one of the most controversial moments, Flanagan warns an officer, “Buddy, you’re going to regret this.” She also tells police to turn off their body cameras, a demand that immediately raised red flags.
Rhode Island AG Calls Behavior “Inexcusable”
Attorney General Peter Neronha admitted the behavior was “inexcusable” but has so far stopped short of firing Flanagan outright. He said she appeared “remorseful” after watching the arrest footage but has only been placed on unpaid leave while his office reviews the case.
This decision has not satisfied many in Rhode Island, especially voters who believe political elites are given second chances not available to everyday citizens.
Republicans Demand Immediate Firing
On Friday, the Rhode Island Republican Party issued a strong statement demanding Flanagan’s removal. GOP Chairman Joe Powers condemned her actions as “disgraceful conduct” and said Rhode Islanders are fed up with leaders who think the rules don’t apply to them.
“This went far beyond poor judgment,” Powers declared. “It was outright defiance, a twisting of the law, and a perfect example of the arrogance of a ruling class that believes it’s above the very people they’re supposed to serve.”
Powers also praised the Newport police officers for their restraint and professionalism: “They showed the integrity Ms. Flanagan lacked. These officers upheld the law while she played the role of a spoiled elitist.”
WATCH:
PRIVILEGE DENIED 🚨
— @Chicago1Ray 🇺🇸 (@Chicago1Ray) August 23, 2025
Asst AG Devon Flanagan placed on UNPAID leave. after being arrested for trespass, for refusing to leave a nightspot in RI
Big round of applause 👏 goes out to these Cops for applying the law equally, & arresting her anyway, even
after she claimed I'm an AG pic.twitter.com/XSFPUSKYNQ
A Growing Outrage Over Political Elitism
The arrest is fueling debate in Rhode Island and beyond, with many voters seeing the incident as another example of political insiders treating themselves as above the law. Conservatives argue it highlights why accountability and respect for law enforcement are central to restoring trust in government.
