Rhode Island State Trooper Injured Escorting Defense Secretary Motorcade
A Rhode Island State Police trooper sustained minor injuries on Monday morning after losing control of his motorcycle while escorting Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth's motorcade on Route 403 in North Kingstown, Rhode Island, en route to Newport.
Providence New Bedford, RI, November 9, 2026 — A Rhode Island State Police trooper was injured Monday morning during an escort operation for a motorcade carrying Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. The incident occurred on Route 403 in North Kingstown, Rhode Island.
The trooper reportedly lost control of his motorcycle. Details regarding the specific circumstances leading to the loss of control were not immediately available. The trooper sustained minor injuries as a result of the incident.
The motorcade was en route to Newport at the time of the event. The Rhode Island State Police are expected to provide further details as they become available. The identity of the injured trooper has not been released.
The presence of the Defense Secretary’s motorcade indicates a formal visit or security detail was in progress. Route 403 is a state route connecting North Kingstown to other local roads, often used for transit to and from areas like Newport, which hosts naval facilities and hosts significant events. The specific destination for Secretary Hegseth on this occasion was Newport.
The Rhode Island State Police are responsible for providing security and escort services for high-profile individuals and events, a role that involves significant risks to personnel. This incident highlights the challenges and potential dangers faced by law enforcement officers performing escort duties.
Further information concerning the trooper’s condition and the investigation into the incident is anticipated. The exact cause of the motorcycle losing control has not been publicly disclosed by authorities. No other vehicles or individuals were reported to be involved in the incident. The State Police have not commented on any potential impact to the original schedule of the motorcade following the incident.
Story summarized from the original created by Christopher Shea on rhodeislandcurrent.com, see more information here.
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