A prominent Rhode Island Democrat made headlines after body camera footage captured her challenging a police officer moments before her DUI arrest. Maria Bucci, 51, the chairwoman of the Democratic committee in Cranston—the state’s second-largest city—was pulled over during a traffic stop in East Greenwich on December 18. According to media reports, including Fox News, Bucci is facing a misdemeanor DUI charge following the incident. The video shows Bucci asking the officer, “You know who I am?” immediately after he noted the smell of alcohol on her breath and described her driving as erratic. The exchange quickly escalated as the officer calmly responded, “I don’t know who you are, miss,” signaling that her position or influence would not alter the legal process.
During the traffic stop, Bucci attempted to assert influence and demand special treatment. Body camera footage reveals the officer guiding her through a series of standard field sobriety tests, while Bucci repeatedly interjected, suggesting that others should be contacted on her behalf. At one point, she said, “Call my husband right now, and call the attorney general and everybody else in town, cause this is disgusting, God forbid I was a Black person, I’d be arrested.” Her remarks highlight both a sense of entitlement and an awareness of racial disparities in policing. Despite these demands, the officer proceeded with the arrest in accordance with standard procedures, maintaining professionalism while documenting Bucci’s behavior.
The footage also captures Bucci’s admission to drinking. She told the officer that she had consumed a glass of wine at a Christmas party prior to the stop. As the arrest proceeded, her demeanor shifted from argumentative to insulting, as she aimed remarks at the officer while being handcuffed. “You’re a d—,” she said, adding, “Like I am not drinking, you’re a loser.” These statements illustrate the tension and frustration present during the encounter, providing a glimpse into how public figures sometimes react under stress during legal confrontations. Following her arrest, Bucci was released on a $1,000 personal recognizance bond and is scheduled for arraignment on January 5, according to WPRI.
Bucci’s arrest adds to a series of high-profile incidents involving Democrats and law enforcement in 2025, particularly those involving immigration enforcement. In June, New York City Comptroller and mayoral candidate Brad Lander was arrested by the Department of Homeland Security on allegations of assaulting a federal officer during an encounter with Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents. Lander was released hours later, joined by New York Governor Kathy Hochul (D), who announced that charges had been dropped. However, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York stated it was still investigating Lander’s conduct, underscoring that arrests—even of politicians—do not automatically conclude legal proceedings.
The Lander incident drew attention to tensions between elected officials and federal law enforcement agencies. Video footage shows Lander holding onto ICE agents as they escorted a defendant, repeatedly demanding a judicial warrant. “I will let go when you show me the judicial warrant! Where is it?! Where is the warrant?!” he is heard saying. DHS officials responded by highlighting the rising number of assaults against officers, noting a 413% increase, and asserting that no individual, regardless of political office, is above the law. This event, coupled with Bucci’s arrest, illustrates the challenges politicians face when interacting with law enforcement and the potential consequences of confrontational behavior, even for high-profile figures.
Both incidents sparked public debate about accountability, privilege, and the perception of politicians’ conduct during law enforcement interactions. In Bucci’s case, her previous political experience—including serving on the Cranston City Council from 2004 to 2008 and unsuccessful bids for mayor and a Rhode Island House seat—underscored her familiarity with the public and the legal system. Meanwhile, critics argue that public figures should model compliance with the law, rather than attempt to leverage status or connections. The comparison to Lander’s case demonstrates how politically charged circumstances can amplify scrutiny and public discourse. Together, these events reflect ongoing discussions about the intersection of politics, personal responsibility, and the rule of law in contemporary American society.
