Resident speaks to council on anniversary of infamous arrest

A new mayor. A new police chief. A new city attorney.

Much as changed in the year since Surprise gained infamy across the nation when a resident was arrested at a city council meeting on Aug. 20, 2024, for arguing against giving a raise to the previous city attorney.

Rebekah Massie, once a regular fixture during public comment portions of council meetings, has not been going to the meetings much anymore. She has only been to a couple since her arrest, which went viral online and caused a First Amendment law group to file a lawsuit against the city; former Mayor Skip Hall, who ordered her arrest; and officer Steven Shernicoff, the arresting officer who she claims used excessive force.

The lawsuit is far from settled, Massie sa

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