Providence Cop Jeann Lugo Pleads Not Guilty In Roe Rally Assault Case

PROVIDENCE, RI — Providence police officer Jeann Lugo, who faces charges after video captured him punching a political opponent at an abortion rights rally in Providence, pleaded not guilty to assault charges on Friday.

According to court records, Lugo faces charges of simple assault and battery and disorderly conduct.

Those are just the criminal charges, however, and not the end of the problems Lugo faces in the fallout from the video.

Police have levied internal charges against Lugo, who is already facing criminal charges following an arrest over the weekend. Internal charges include 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, you distrubing 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.

"Based on the facts and circumstances presented to me, I have lost confidence in your capacity and ability to exercise self-control, and to conduct yourself in a civil, respectful and professional manner. Accordingly, I recommend that you be terminated from employment as a Providence police officer."

Read the full report here.

Roe v. Wade Rally

Lugo and Rourke, who is the chair of the Rhode Island Political Cooperative, were both in attendance at a Roe V. Wade rally on Friday, which was attended by hundreds of people at the Rhode Island State House.

A video, captured by journalist Bill Bartholomew, has been viewed nearly 5 million times on Twitter since Friday, and has initiated statements from Providence Mayor Jorge Elorza and Rhode Island Gov. Dan McKee.

"I've seen the video and it's immensely disturbing," Elorza said in a tweet, appearing to reference the footage. "Those responsible will be held fully accountable."

On Monday, McKee said "everybody should be held accountable for their behavior, and it doesn't matter what position they're in."

"If what we're being told turns out to be true, he should be severely disciplined and I would say the man should lose his job," he added.