## **Arizona Woman Files Lawsuit for Violated First Amendment Rights After Being Arrested at City Council Meeting**
A mother from Surprise, Arizona, is taking legal action against the city and its mayor after she was arrested and removed from a city council meeting for speaking out against the city attorney's salary. Rebekah Massie's lawsuit alleges that the city's policy against criticizing municipal employees violates the First Amendment.
Arizona Woman Files Lawsuit for Violated First Amendment Rights After Being Arrested at City Council Meeting
In August 2023, Rebekah Massie attended a city council meeting in Surprise, Arizona, where she intended to raise concerns about the city attorney's salary. However, she was abruptly interrupted by Mayor Skip Hall, who accused her of "attacking the city attorney personally." Hall cited a policy that prohibited any criticism of municipal employees or council members, regardless of whether they were named directly.
Massie contested the validity of the policy, asserting that it infringed upon her First Amendment rights to freedom of speech. Despite her objections, Hall summoned Police Officer Steven Shernicoff to escort Massie from the meeting. As she resisted, Shernicoff handcuffed her and removed her from the premises.
Arizona Woman Files Lawsuit for Violated First Amendment Rights After Being Arrested at City Council Meeting
Massie's attorney, Conor Fitzpatrick with the Foundation of Individual Rights and Expression (FIRE), denounced the incident as a violation of Massie's constitutional rights. He emphasized that public officials have a duty to listen to public concerns, regardless of their personal views.
The lawsuit filed by Massie and FIRE alleges that her arrest and detention for at least two hours, including a "pretty invasive pat down" and fingerprinting, violated her Fourth Amendment rights against unreasonable searches and seizures. Additionally, the city's policy of silencing criticism is accused of fostering an atmosphere of self-censorship among citizens.
Arizona Woman Files Lawsuit for Violated First Amendment Rights After Being Arrested at City Council Meeting
Fitzpatrick drew attention to similar cases where FIRE had successfully challenged unconstitutional limitations on free speech at public meetings. In Michigan, the organization secured a settlement from the city of Eastpointe after its former mayor repeatedly silenced constituents during public comment periods.
Massie's lawsuit also names Quintus Schulzke, another Surprise resident who regularly participates in council meetings and has witnessed the chilling effect of the city's policy. Schulzke and other citizens have expressed concern about the potential consequences of speaking out at meetings.
Arizona Woman Files Lawsuit for Violated First Amendment Rights After Being Arrested at City Council Meeting
Fitzpatrick emphasized the importance of protecting First Amendment rights at all levels of government. He urged Americans to feel empowered to participate in public discourse without fear of retribution.
Mayor Skip Hall declined to comment on the lawsuit, while Police Officer Steven Shernicoff could not be reached for immediate comment. The city of Surprise has yet to issue a formal response to the allegations.
The lawsuit serves as a reminder of the ongoing need to safeguard free speech and ensure that the voices of citizens are not suppressed by government officials. The outcome of Massie's case will have implications for the rights of all Americans who seek to engage with their elected representatives.
