Eat your heart out, North Korea.
An Arizona mother was arrested for violating a controversial city law that prohibits criticizing city officials at public meetings, sparking outrage from a free speech group that intends to take legal action, officials informed The Post.
Rebekah Massie, 32, was addressing a proposed $12,000 raise for Surprise City Attorney Robert Wingo, who reportedly earns $266,000 annually, during a city council meeting on Aug. 20. However, she was interrupted by Mayor Skip Hall.
Hall accused Massie of breaking a city rule that prohibits individuals from making complaints against city employees or council members during their time at the podium, according to azcentral.com
“That’s all well and good, but that’s a violation of my First Amendment rights,” Massie argued.
“So that’s, well, this is your warning, OK?” Hall responded, citing the accusation as “for attacking the city attorney personally.”
“This is all factual information,” Massie stated, referring to Wingo’s alleged inaction on a campaign sign issue.
After further discussion, Hall instructed the city’s police chief to remove her from the premises.
“Chief, could you have somebody come down here and escort Ms. Massie out of this chamber,” Hall directed.
“In front of my 10-year-old daughter, you’re going to escort me out for expressing my First Amendment rights?” Massie questioned, as reported by the local radio station KJZZ.
Massie was charged with trespassing, resisting arrest, and obstructing government operations.
The free speech group Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression later learned of the arrest and announced plans to sue the city of Surprise over the incident.
“The First Amendment protects every American’s right to criticize public officials,” stated FIRE attorney Conor Fitzpatrick to The Post.
“And the last thing people should fear when they go to a city council meeting to make their voice heard is leaving in handcuffs. FIRE looks forward to vindicating Rebekah’s constitutional rights in court.”
Massie expressed her hope on Friday to educate the city and set an example.
“As an American, it’s my right to speak out to hold the local government accountable. And as a mother, it’s my duty to set a positive example and defend our fundamental rights—like the right to free speech—when they’re under threat,” she stated.
“That’s the lesson I wanted to impart to my daughter. And now, it’s the lesson I am committed to teaching the City of Surprise, Arizona.”
It remains unclear how Massie could be arrested for trespassing at a public meeting.
Surprise Police Chief Benny Pina and Mayor Skip Hall did not respond to The Post’s calls on Friday.
