Two Others Arrested Following Violence at State House Rally Say They’re RI “Freedom Fighters”

Two Others Arrested Following Violence at State House Rally Say They’re RI “Freedom Fighters”

On Saturday, Rhode Island State Police announced that Providence Police Officer Jeanne Lugo had been arrested on the charges of simple assault and disorderly conduct, following the melee at Friday night’s State House rally. 

State Police also arrested Jessica Burton, age 39, of Warwick for disorderly conduct and Nicholas Morrell, age 31, of Warwick, for disorderly conduct, weapons other than firearms and resisting arrest.

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On social media, Morrell calls himself the founder of “The Rhode Island Freedom Fighters” — and Burton, the “First Lady.” 

The group on Twitter says they are “survivors of Gina Raimondo’s regime — currently suffering under Dan McKee.”

Posts including supporting recent Second Amendment rallies in the wake of recent gun legislation approved in Rhode Island, including a "Make Gas and Guns Great Again" rally in Warwick in June. 

In May, they also organized a protest outside of State Senator Sam Bell’s home in Providence, in opposition to Bell’s proposed legislation to mandate COVID vaccinations for Rhode Islanders over the age of 16. 

Following his arrest, Morrell has maintained his innocence on social media.

“Me and Jess Marie are fine we’re both out not happy but we’re out,” wrote Morrell.