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Arizona woman arrested after criticizing city official at council meeting

An Arizona woman was arrested and cited for trespassing last week after attempting to voice concerns about an official at a city council meeting.

Libertarian activist Rebekah Massie during the Surprise City Council meeting claimed City Attorney Robert Wingo has violated the Arizona constitution, the state bar’s rules of professional conduct and the U.S. Bill of Rights. She pointed to Arizona laws concerning public employees, cities, elections, and electors.

Massie then told the city council she had made several public records requests for another issue. However, Mayor Skip Hall interrupted to read her the meeting rules he said she agreed to.

The guidelines state that “oral communications during the City Council meeting may not be used to lodge charges or complaints against any employee of the City or members of the body” and that “any such charges or complaints should be submitted during normal business hours to the City Manager for appropriate action.”

Massie claimed the rules violated her First Amendment rights. Hall then said she was personally attacking Wingo and issued her a warning.

“This is all factual information,” Massie said.

“It doesn’t matter,” Hall replied.

The two argued over the constitutionality of the rules, leading Massie to cite the Supreme Court’s history with First Amendment issues.

“The Supreme Court has upheld – I could get up here, and I could swear at you for three straight minutes, and it is protected speech by the Supreme Court,” she said.

After Hall rejected the claim, Massie suggested he should look at case law.

“Do you want to be escorted out of here, or are you gonna stop talking?” Hall asked her as she accused him of violating debate procedure.

Massie then urged the mayor to change the public meeting rules, and he ordered the police to escort her out after more arguing.

“In front of my 10-year-old daughter, you’re gonna escort me out for expressing my First Amendment rights?” Massie asked.

“She can go with you,” Hall responded.

An officer then asked Massie to exit the room, putting her hands behind her back after she refused. She continued resisting and screamed as she left the meeting.

Massie received a citation for criminal trespassing, according to court records.

Neither Massie, Hall nor Wingo immediately responded to The National Desk’s request for comment.

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