Surprise Mother Arrested for Criticizing City Attorney’s Salary
In a dramatic turn of events in Surprise, Arizona, a mother was escorted out of a city council meeting and arrested in August when she attempted to criticize the city attorney’s salary. The incident has sparked controversy and now, a free speech organization is stepping in to support her.
During the meeting on August 20, 32-year-old Rebekah Massie raised concerns about the city attorney’s contract, specifically questioning the decision to renew it with a raise. The situation escalated quickly when the mayor ordered police to remove Massie from the premises, citing her for trespassing.
The Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression (FIRE) has filed a federal lawsuit against the City of Surprise on behalf of Massie, claiming a violation of her First Amendment rights.
According to Massie, there were multiple alleged legal violations by the city attorney, making his raise unjustifiable. However, she was silenced by the mayor for criticizing individual council members, which led to her removal from the meeting and subsequent arrest.
Despite being cited for trespassing and released, Massie now faces further charges of resisting arrest and obstructing governmental operations. The entire ordeal unfolded in front of her 10-year-old daughter, adding to the emotional distress.
The lawsuit seeks to challenge Surprise’s “Council Criticism Policy” and seeks compensation for any damages suffered by Massie during the incident. The case highlights the importance of upholding the right to freedom of speech for all citizens.
You can access the full suit here.
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