Local police in Rhode Island have arrested and charged Sen. Joshua Miller (D-RI) with vandalism and malicious injury to property. The incident occurred on June 23 when Miller allegedly vandalized a vehicle displaying an “anti-Biden” sticker, which was parked at an outdoor shopping area in the Garden City Center.
A Rhode Island Democrat State Senator named Joshua Miller was arrested on Friday after he was accused of keying another man’s car because it had an anti-Biden bumper sticker on it.https://t.co/XZOsx52JkD
— Legal Insurrection (@LegInsurrection) June 24, 2023
According to a video posted on social media, the vehicle’s owner, an unnamed supporter of former President Donald Trump, witnessed a man standing next to their car holding a keychain and a single key. The suspect quickly walked away after being confronted about the incident.
The victim later identified the 69-year-old politician as the person responsible after seeing a “Re-elect Senator Josh Miller” bumper sticker on a nearby vehicle and searching for Miller’s information online.
Initially, Miller denied the accusation to both the authorities and the victim, telling police that the person in the car was following him and verbally abusing him.
“He was blocking my way, saying I scratched his car, I didn’t scratch his car. I’m a state senator — I think he’d recognize me. I think it’s one of the gun nuts.”
He also alleged that the person in the car called out his name even though he didn’t mention his name. However, an unidentified individual in the video cast doubts on Miller’s defense and denied knowing any senator. The officer also pointed out that the car owner was not in the car like the Democrat claimed.
Reports indicate that Miller attempted to change his appearance at the scene of the incident to avoid detection. When questioned about removing his jacket, he nonchalantly claimed that it was not against the law. He was later allowed to leave.
However, the senator’s attempts to evade responsibility failed in the end after police reviewed footage of the incident. An officer went to his house later that day to interview him, informing him that police had obtained footage of the act. Upon this revelation, he voluntarily went to the police station, where he was charged with vandalism and malicious injury to property.
He was later released on a $1,000 personal recognizance bond pending his formal appearance in court on July 18.
In a press release on Friday, Cranston Police Chief Michael Winquist emphasized the importance of treating everyone equally under the law. “Nobody is above the law, including those who make and enforce the laws. The officers who handled this investigation did so with fairness, integrity, and without preferential treatment,” he stated.
As the case unfolds, many have questioned whether Miller can continue to effectively serve his constituents while facing these serious allegations. RI GOP Chair Joe Powers took to Twitter, urging the senator to resign from his position.
“This behavior is unbecoming of anyone holding a leadership position,” Powers wrote.
This behavior is unbecoming of anyone holding a leadership position. State Senator Joshua Miller has proven once again the he does not have the composure required to represent every constituent in his district and must resign immediately. https://t.co/MZdKqm13kT
— Joe Powers (@RIGOPChairman) June 23, 2023