A Rhode Island prosecutor’s brazen attempt to abuse her position during a drunken arrest exposes the arrogant entitlement of government officials who believe they’re above the law that ordinary Americans must follow.
Prosecutor’s Power Play Backfires
Devon Hogan Flanagan’s August 14 arrest at Clarke Cooke House restaurant in Newport demonstrates classic government official arrogance. The Special Assistant Attorney General, apparently intoxicated, refused restaurant staff requests to leave and escalated the situation when police arrived. Bodycam footage reveals her immediate attempt to leverage her prosecutorial position, repeatedly stating “I’m an AG” while demanding special treatment that would never be afforded to regular citizens.
Newport Police officers displayed admirable professionalism throughout the encounter, refusing Flanagan’s demands to turn off their body cameras. Her explicit threat that officers would “regret this” represents exactly the type of government intimidation that undermines public trust in our justice system. The fact that she believed her position entitled her to special treatment reveals the two-tiered justice system many Americans rightfully distrust.
Bodycam Technology Exposes Truth
The release of bodycam footage on August 18-19 proved crucial in documenting Flanagan’s misconduct. Without this technology, her version of events might have gone unchallenged, potentially allowing another government official to escape accountability. The footage shows both Flanagan and her friend Veronica Hannan refusing lawful police orders, with Flanagan consistently attempting to use her official status as a shield against consequences.
This incident highlights why body cameras serve as essential protection for both law enforcement and citizens. Flanagan’s specific request to turn off the cameras suggests she understood her behavior was inappropriate and potentially career-damaging. Her attempts to manipulate the situation demonstrate the entitled mindset that has eroded public confidence in government institutions.
Accountability Crisis in Government
Flanagan’s conduct represents a broader problem of government officials believing they operate under different rules than those they’re sworn to uphold. As a Special Assistant Attorney General, she holds significant prosecutorial power and regularly makes decisions affecting citizens’ lives and freedoms. Her willingness to abuse this position during a minor criminal matter raises serious questions about her fitness for office and decision-making in more substantial cases.
The Rhode Island Attorney General’s Office has remained silent on potential disciplinary action, which itself sends a troubling message. Swift and transparent accountability would demonstrate that no government official stands above the law, regardless of their position or political connections. Delay or inaction only reinforces public perception that different standards apply to the ruling class versus ordinary Americans.
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‘You’re going to regret this’: Bodycam video shows assistant attorney general’s arrest
