The Republican Senate candidate in the state of Rhode Island has cut his campaign short as he faces charges after attacking his Democratic rival at an abortion rights rally. He didn’t verbally attack her or anything as if it were a debate, but the off-duty police officer physically attacked her.

Jeann Lugo, the Senate candidate, and Providence Police Officer has been said to have punched his opponent, Jennifer Rourke, in the face two times. Since the incident, Lugo has suspended his campaign and was also placed on administrative leave by the Providence Police Department.

Jennifer Rourke @JenRourke29

I'm a reproductive rights organizer & State Senate candidate. Last night, after speaking at our Roe rally, my Republican opponent – a police officer – violently attacked me. This is what it is to be a Black woman running for office. I won't give up.

2:23 PM ∙ Jun 25, 2022

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"To me, this feels like an act of political violence similar to the acts of violence that we have seen across the U.S. I'm a Black woman running for office. There was no need, no need for any of this. I'm not going to give up."

Jennifer Rourke said in response.

Lugo is currently under investigation and chances are he will face charges. He was arraigned on charges of simple assault and disorderly conduct yesterday but was later released on his own recognizance pending a July 8th court date. Jeniffer Rouke has denied the allegations made by Lugo that she had instigated the event by firstly becoming physical with him. However, which doesn’t work for his benefit at all, Lugo has yet to deny punching Jennifer Rourke in the face.

"I'm not going to deny it. It was very chaotic, so I can't really tell you right now. Everything happened very fast."

Lugo said.