SURPRISE, AZ (AZFamily) – A heated exchange during a Surprise City Council meeting ended with a West Valley mother being handcuffed.
Mayor Skip Hall said she violated a city ordinance that prohibits complaining about city employees at public hearings.
Arizona’s family spoke with several experts who argued that the city had violated their rights under the First Amendment.
“I believe she may have standing to sue the city of Surprise,” said constitutional attorney Robert McWhirter.
Activist Rebekah Massie took the podium during Tuesday’s public hearing and criticized how much money the city attorney makes.
The mayor interrupted her and pointed out a city rule: “Oral communications during a City Council meeting may not be used to file charges or complaints against any City employee or member of the body…”
A heated argument ensued between the two. Massie was later taken away by a police officer in front of her 10-year-old daughter and arrested for trespassing. She faces an additional charge of resisting arrest.
“The physical removal by handcuffs by a deputy, well, let’s just say that’s a pretty bad image. I think it was a poor response by the city council to the comments of a citizen,” McWhirter said.
McWhirter said the government could impose “reasonable” restrictions on free speech in public meetings, including limiting the time allowed for public comments or banning disruptive behavior.
However, McWhiter believes the city’s regulation goes too far.
“The problem here is that they are restricting their freedom of speech,” McWhirter said. “We are allowed to criticize our government and the members of our government.”
Arizona’s family reached out to the City of Surprise and Mayor Hall, but received no response.
Mayor-elect Kevin Sartor sent Arizona’s family the following statement:
Massie is currently represented by the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression.
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