Democrats often assert that “No one is beyond the law.”
But can we really believe that? It sometimes feels like they operate as if the law doesn’t apply to them, akin to someone who thinks rules are for everyone but themselves.
This week’s case in point involves Rhode Island Attorney General Devon Flanagan Hogan. Her boorish behavior during a drunk confrontation with police outside the upscale Clark Cook House in Newport is the latest addition to that odd genre of viral incidents: the entitled having a meltdown.
Bodycam footage becomes popular as people are drawn to these displays of indignation and refusal to comply.
The situation began at 9:51 PM on August 14th, when Veronica Hannan, a friend of a PepsiCo senior manager, and her husband, Dan Hannan, were asked to leave the restaurant for unspecified reasons. Judging by the aggressive demeanor of the women, one can easily speculate why they were told to go.
Bodycam footage starts as the police arrive to find a woman outside the establishment. Flanagan, clad in a short red jumpsuit, gestures animatedly and insists that officers turn off the camera.
The officers attempt to calm the situation: “They want you to leave. Just leave. Let’s make it easy.”
But Flanagan is determined to assert herself. She keeps insisting that the officer—who she refers to as “police officer Flanagan”—is a lawyer, her form-fitting satin dress making her seem even more determined.
Meanwhile, poor Dan appeals, “Can we all talk?” He’s dressed reasonably for the upscale venue, whose dress code was noted by Food & Wine Magazine as specifying that gentlemen need to wear jackets.
Rule Breaker
Despite the established norms, the woman shows no interest in adhering to any rules.
The officer approaches an outdoor host table, where three concerned restaurant staff members observe the unfolding drama.
“You guys just want to put them out?” he asks. “You want to break in?”
The staff respond with a pleading gesture, “I just need them cuffed. Please. That’s the only way.”
The officer informs the two women they are trespassing, stating they need to leave to avoid arrest.
Flanagan retorts, “We’re not trespassing. You haven’t even notified us that we are.”
“What did I say to you?” the officer replies. “You’re trespassing. Let’s go. I don’t want to arrest you.”
At this point, they could have turned around and left.
Instead, Flanagan decides to stand her ground. “You are not going to arrest us. Second, the protocol is…”
She continues her lectures. Veronica shakes her fingers in the officer’s direction, while Dan visibly shrinks in the background.
“Your protocol, if you ask to turn off the bodycam, you need to do it,” she insists, incensed that the officer isn’t complying.
“She knows because she’s an attorney,” Veronica adds.
The officer’s patience is wearing thin. “Well, that’s not true because it belongs to the department. We have to go.”
Flanagan then pulls out her key card: “I’m AG. I’m AG.”
“Good for you,” the officer replies, uninterested.
This moment captured on video had many viewers cheering.
The recorded exchange concludes a few minutes later with a tense scene as both women are screaming while being handcuffed and placed in the police cruiser.
A Complete Meltdown
Veronica kicks and attempts to flee, shouting “No! No! Baby,” with Dan striving to maintain calm. “I’m here. I’m here,” he reassures her as she lashes out.
Earlier, Dan had tried to defend the pair, but the police dismissed him, saying, “Can you get a child out of here? What are you doing?”
“Sorry,” Dan said, trying to manage the unruly Veronica, stating, “They are two fully grown women.”
Yet, they seemed to display behavior resembling children throwing tantrums, layered with a disturbing sense of entitlement.
Flanagan’s final words as she’s placed in the cruiser? “Buddy, you’ll regret this.”
As she slams the door behind her, insisting, “I’m AG,” it’s almost satisfying to witness.
That officer truly represents many people’s frustrations with the perceived double-standard of privilege.
Most of us are tired of living in a world governed by such contradictions. While the officers can take action, the rest are left with the option to vote or leave the situation behind.
Flanagan and Hannan have been charged with intentional trespassing, disorderly conduct, and resisting arrest, per the Newport police.
The following morning, Flanagan’s supervisor, Rhode Island Attorney General Peter Neronya, reviewed the bodycam footage of the incident. “She put me in a bad position,” he remarked in an interview. “She embarrassed and humiliated herself and treated the Newport Police Department poorly.”
He didn’t elaborate on any potential disciplinary measures.
“I think it’s alcohol-related,” he mentioned, seemingly nonchalant.
Alcohol should not serve as an excuse but rather a lens revealing unwelcome traits, reminiscent of others in similar roles.
The narrative has shifted, with more people opting to align with Republican views, a notable shift since 2018.
People in positions like Flanagan and her peers need to recognize that the world doesn’t revolve around them. America is weary of entitlement-driven outbursts.
