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A Rhode Island prosecutor is at the centre of a firestorm after body-camera footage captured her demanding that police turn off their cameras and warning officers 'You're going to regret this' during an arrest outside a Newport restaurant.

Rhode Island Assistant Attorney General Devon Hogan Flanagan, 34, was arrested last Thursday night at the Clarke Cooke House and charged with willful trespass.

The footage, which quickly spread online, shows her identifying herself as a state prosecutor, refusing to leave the premises, and insisting that officers switch off their cameras — a request that Newport Police say violated department policy.

The exchange, first reported by the New York Post has ignited debate over accountability and conduct within the Attorney General's office.

The Incident at Clarke Cooke House

Police were called to the Clarke Cooke House around 9:51 p.m. after reports that two women were refusing to leave. Officers encountered Flanagan and her companion, 34-year-old Veronica Hannan of Westport, Connecticut, outside the restaurant.

Staff told police they wanted both women trespassed from the property. When the pair refused to comply, officers placed them under arrest.

According to the police statement, Flanagan was issued a summons for willful trespass, while Hannan was arraigned in district court on trespass, disorderly conduct, and resisting arrest charges.

Body-Cam Controversy

The body-camera footage released by Newport Police has become the focal point of the controversy.

In the video, Flanagan tells officers: '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.'

One officer can be heard responding: 'That's not true,' before continuing with the arrest.

The Rhode Island Attorney General's office later confirmed that under state policy, officers are not required to deactivate body cameras at a citizen's request.

Exceptions exist only in limited cases, such as protecting the privacy of victims or witnesses. Newport Police policy similarly allows deactivation only when there is a reasonable expectation of privacy.

The Alleged Threat

As officers escorted Flanagan into a police cruiser, she was heard saying: 'You're going to regret this.'

The remark has since gone viral, with critics questioning whether it was intended as a threat to law enforcement. At this stage, no charges related to the comment have been filed. The only confirmed charge against Flanagan remains willful trespass.

Charges and Legal Proceedings

Police confirmed that Flanagan received a court summons, although the date of her appearance has not been disclosed. Hannan, meanwhile, faced arraignment on multiple charges in district court.

The Newport Police Department has not indicated whether further charges could be considered, but the body-camera footage is expected to remain central in any proceedings.

Employment and Internal Review

Flanagan has worked in the Rhode Island Attorney General's office for around seven years, serving in the Criminal Division's Appellate Unit. Attorney General Peter Neronha's office confirmed an internal review is underway, describing the matter as a personnel issue.

The AG's spokesperson said the office is aware of the footage and will not comment further until the review is complete.

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