Off-Duty Officer Under Investigation Following Assault at State House Rally, Say Providence Police

Off-Duty Officer Under Investigation Following Assault at State House Rally, Say Providence Police

Providence police have announced that an officer has been placed on leave following an assault at a rally at the Rhode Island State House Friday night. 

The event -- which was held in support of women's reproductive rights following Friday's Supreme Court decision overturning Roe v. Wade -- drew thousands.

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Providence Police released the following Saturday morning. 

"The PPD is criminally investigating the behavior of an off duty officer last evening during a protest where a female was assaulted. 

The officer has served for 3 yrs and placed on administrative leave w/pay this morning, pending a criminal investigation and administrative review."

On Saturday afternoon at 3 PM, police issued the following statement, identifying the officer. 

PPD Officer Jeann Lugo is confirmed as the off duty officer involved in this incident.  Media will continue to be updated as necessary related to this investigation and incident.

 

Rhode Island State Senate candidate Jennifer Rourke -- the victim of the assault -- issued the following statement. 

"I'm a reproductive rights organizer & State Senate candidate. [Friday] night, after speaking at our Roe rally, my Republican opponent – a police officer – violently attacked me," said Rourke. 

"This is what it is to be a Black woman running for office," she added. "I won't give up."

 

First published: Saturday June 25 11:48 AM

Updated: Saturday June 25 3:55 PM