Devon Hogan Flanagan, a special assistant attorney general in Rhode Island, was detained by Newport police last week after a trespassing incident at a popular restaurant. Flanagan, who has worked in the Rhode Island Attorney General’s Office for seven years, argued with officers, demanded they turn off their body cameras, and repeatedly asserted her government position during the confrontation.
Confrontation at Clarke Cooke House
The incident unfolded on Thursday, August 14, when Newport police responded to a call about an “unwanted party” at Clarke Cooke House on Bannister’s Wharf. Officers found Flanagan with her friend, Veronica Hannan, inside the restaurant.
According to police body camera footage obtained by NBC10 WJAR, Flanagan immediately requested officers to turn their cameras off. She insisted, “I want you to turn your bodycam off. Protocol is that you turn it off. It’s a citizen request that you turn it off.”
Restaurant staff told officers they wanted the two women removed from the premises. When officers informed them that they were trespassing and needed to leave, Flanagan disputed the claim. “We’re not trespassing. You haven’t notified us that we’re trespassing,” she said.
“I’m an AG” — Flanagan Challenges Officers
Tensions escalated when officers warned Flanagan and Hannan they would be arrested if they refused to leave. Flanagan responded defiantly, “You’re not going to arrest us,” before repeatedly telling officers, “I’m an AG. I’m an AG.”
One officer dismissed her statements, replying, “Good for you. I don’t give a f—. Let’s go.”
As officers escorted her outside, Flanagan continued to challenge their authority. Body camera footage captured her saying, “Buddy, you’re going to regret this. You’re going to regret it. I’m an AG,” as she was placed in the back of a police cruiser.
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Legal and Policy Questions
The Rhode Island Attorney General’s Office confirmed on Monday, August 18, that it was reviewing the incident but provided no additional updates. Flanagan did not respond directly to media requests for comment.
Newport police confirmed that Rhode Island law does not require officers to turn off their body cameras at a citizen’s request. Law enforcement and security expert Todd McGhee emphasized the importance of body cameras for accountability.
“I would venture to say that any violation of this policy by a police officer, they would face disciplinary actions,” McGhee said. “The law is very clearly written. The fact that someone holds a certain title or office doesn’t change the circumstances.”
Friend’s Lawyer Defends Her Actions
Veronica Hannan, who was also escorted from the restaurant, received support from her attorney, John Grasso. In a statement to PEOPLE, Grasso described her as “a law-abiding, productive member of society with no prior run-ins with law enforcement.”
He added that her reaction to the incident stemmed from shock and inexperience with police confrontations. “Perhaps that lack of prior experience with the police is what caused her to be caught off guard by what you saw unfolding on the video police shared with the media,” he said.
Grasso argued that her response should be viewed in the context of the stressful situation. “Until you are the person being forced to leave without explanation, trying to communicate but being disregarded, watching your friend get grabbed, spun around, and handcuffed, separated from your husband, and then finding yourself in the same predicament a moment later, it’s probably unfair to judge Veronica’s reaction under those overwhelming circumstances.”
Public Reaction and Ongoing Review
The incident has raised questions about accountability and professional conduct in Rhode Island’s justice system. Footage showing Flanagan invoking her government position and attempting to influence police decisions has sparked widespread attention online.
As of now, the Attorney General’s Office continues to review the matter. Neither Clarke Cooke House management nor Flanagan has issued a public statement explaining what led to the initial trespassing call.
The case highlights broader concerns over how public officials interact with law enforcement and whether professional titles can—or should—affect the enforcement of state laws.
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