Man Arrested for Stepping on Cape Verde Flag During Ceremony in Rhode Island
During an official ceremony celebrating Cape Verde's Independence Day, a man was arrested after tearing down and stepping on the Cape Verdean flag. Police also found a knife and a Nazi flag with the suspect. The case is being investigated as a possible hate crime.
EAST PROVIDENCE, RI – East Providence police arrested a 27-year-old man on charges of vandalism and disorderly conduct following an offensive incident at a flag-raising ceremony in celebration of Cape Verde’s Independence Day in front of city hall.
According to authorities, Manville resident Joey Marsden approached the event, removed both the American flag and the Cape Verdean flag from the flagpole, threw both to the ground, and repeatedly stomped on the Cape Verdean flag . The act was captured on video and sparked outrage among those present.
Officers also reported that Marsden was carrying a six-inch knife and a Nazi flag , raising concerns about the ideological motivations behind the attack. Police are now considering upgrading the charges to a hate crime .
Marsden is due to appear in court to be formally charged later on Thursday.
