Protester Arraigned for Assault on Officer

BOSTON, April 13, 2022— A Dorchester woman was arraigned today for interrupting a Boston City Hall press conference with a megaphone, District Attorney Kevin Hayden said.

CATHERINE VITALE, 31, was arraigned today in the Central Division of Boston Municipal Court on charges of disturbing the police and assault and battery on a police officer. Judge Richard Sinnott released her on personal recognizance.

Vitale and a second individual arrived at Boston City Hall at approximately 12:25 p.m. on April 12 and began shouting into megaphones in an attempt to interrupt a press conference regarding Boston Marathon safety measures. Officers escorted both outside of the building, and they continued to shout through her megaphone at City Hall Plaza.

A crowd gathered around the two, and an employee of an area business approached police about the disruption to employees and customers.  The officers instructed both individuals to stop.  Vitale instead attempted to force her way back into City Hall by pushing an officer. Officers warned that she would be arrested if she continued, but the defendant continued to push the officer.

“The right to protest and to dissent are central to our democracy and will be protected.  Physical assaults, however, are not a valid form of protest,” Hayden said.

Vitale returns to court on May 13. She was represented by Steven Topazio for arraignment only.

 James Borghesani, Chief of Communications

All charged individuals are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

Suffolk County District Attorney Kevin Hayden’s office serves the communities of Boston, Chelsea, Revere, and Winthrop, Mass. The office handles over 20,000 cases a year. More than 160 attorneys in the office practice in nine district and municipal courts, Suffolk Superior Court, the Massachusetts Appeals Court, the Supreme Judicial Court, and the Boston Juvenile Courts. The office employs some 300 people and offers a wide range of services and programs to serve anyone who comes in contact with the criminal justice system. This office is committed to educating the public about the services we provide, our commitment to crime prevention, and our dedication to keeping the residents of Suffolk County safe.