Providence, Rhode Island Source: Boston Globe / Getty
An off-duty Rhode Island police officer assaulted a Black woman candidate for state Senate during a demonstration after the Supreme Court’s decision overturning the constitutional right to abortion. Jennifer Rourke, a reproductive justice organizer and candidate for Rhode Island District 29, was assaulted by an off-duty officer reportedly running for the GOP nomination for the same district at the time.
According to CNN, the officer was charged with “simple assault” and disorderly conduct, identified as 35 –year-old Providence officer Jeann Lugo. He had been on the force for approximately three years. Rourke tweeted that the attack was what it was like to be a Black woman running for office.
“I’m a reproductive rights organizer & State Senate candidate,” wrote Rourke. “Last night, after speaking at our Roe rally, my Republican opponent – a police officer – violently attacked me.”
Lugo can be seen in a slow-motion video posted to Rourke’s Twitter account, punching her repeatedly. The Providence, Rhode Island Police Department tweeted that the officer involved was placed on administrative leave with pay.
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As reported by local outlet the Fall River Reporter, Lugo turned himself in and was arraigned by a justice of the peace. He was released on his own recognizance and scheduled to appear at a hearing on July 8 for re-arraignment. (Read more here).
There are so many questions, but besides yet another example of political violence and racism of the right, it shows the problems with extremism within American law enforcement. A few Twitter users responding to Rourke mentioned that Lugo said he would not be running before deleting his account.
Rhode Island Lt. Gov. Sabina Matos shared a message of support with Rourke.
“Jennifer, I am beyond words that this happened,” began Matos. “Women and women of color running for office are too often harassed and attacked simply for standing up for other women and women of color. We cannot stand for attacks like this. We won’t give up.”
Source: Off-Duty Rhode Island Cop Caught On Video Attacking Black State Senate Candidate
