Providence Cop Jeann Lugo Acquitted In Roe Rally Assault Case

PROVIDENCE, RI — Embattled Providence Police Officer Jeann Lugo was acquitted on assault charges stemming from a Roe v. Wade rally over the summer in Providence. Lugo was captured on video punching District 29 State Senator candidate Jennifer Rourke, who at the time was his political opponent.

According to reports from the Boston Globe and Providence Journal, Judge Joseph T. Houlihan said the situation at the State House was a "melee", which Lugo approached "out of concern for the public order."

"Mr. Lugo’s actions were in furtherance of maintaining the public order and thus justified by his public authority," the judge said, according to the Boston Globe.

Lugo faced charges of simple assault and battery and disorderly conduct. His lawyer said what he did was out of self-defense, which was upheld by the judge at the hearing on Wednesday.

Lugo and Rourke, who is the chair of the Rhode Island Political Cooperative, were both in attendance at a Roe V. Wade rally, which was attended by hundreds of people at the Rhode Island State House. Rourke was speaking at the rally when a commotion broke out when Josh Mello, of Cranston, shouted something at the crowd.

What followed was captured on video by journalist Bill Bartholomew and viewed millions of times. On the video, Lugo can be seen punching Rourke multiple times.

Rhode Island Assistant Attorney General Daniel Carr Guglielmo called Rourke a "completely blameless victim", adding that she was "trying to do the right thing" by stopping a situation that eventually did turn violent.

In the aftermath, Providence Police levied internal charges against Lugo, which included multiple violations of police department policy, along with assault and disorderly conduct. Police Chief Hugh Clements recommended that Lugo be terminated from his position, based on the findings of an internal investigation.

"Officer Lugo, your disturbing egregious, assaultive and unprofessional behavior while off duty, has brought discredit to your name and has tarnished the proud reputation of the Providence Police Department," Clements wrote.

The Boston Globe reported that Lugo is beginning the LEOBOR process and hopes to work for the Providence Police Department again.

The Attorney General's Office issued a statement in the wake of the verdict:

"This trial afforded both the complainant, Ms. Jennifer Rourke, and the defendant, Officer Jeann Lugo, a full and fair opportunity to have their day in court. While this office advocated for a different result, we respect the court’s decision and thank Judge Houlihan for his careful consideration of the evidence and legal issues presented over several days of trial."

Black Lives Matter Rhode Island PAC also weighed in on the decision.

"Today, another victim was betrayed by the justice system. The alleged assault of @JenRourke29 by Officer Jeann Lugo was ultimately acquitted. The decision by the court was absolutely abhorrent. We stand with Jennifer and all victims, as we continue to fight for justice," the group said.

Read a full statement from the group below: