supporting Rebekah Massie
The First Amendment’s use of the word “abridging” means governments — whether local, state, or federal — cannot restrict or curtail our freedom of expression.
So why was Rebekah Massie, a You Are The Power member, unjustly arrested for simply exercising her right to free speech during her city council’s meeting in Surprise, Arizona, on August 20, 2024?
Rebekah, a dedicated wife and mother, was forcibly removed from the meeting in handcuffs while speaking during a public comment section about her concerns over the city attorney possibly receiving a pay raise. Her ten-year-old daughter was present, witnessing this traumatic event.
Mayor Skip Hall ordered an officer with the Surprise Police Department to silence and expel Rebekah. She was formally charged over the incident.
An elected official using violence to censor free speech should shock us all. Mayor Hall’s lack of respect for Rebekah and understanding of our Constitution has significantly impacted the Surprise community.
Since then, the City of Surprise’s rule prohibiting complaints about city officials, the catalyst for Rebekah’s arrest, has been rescinded, yet Rebekah still faces criminal charges.
You Are The Power supports Rebekah and her constitutional right to free speech and to ask the Government to redress her grievances.
And here is how YOU can help. Using the provided template, email all the listed Surprise officials and urge them to dismiss Rebekah’s criminal charges with prejudice.
Remind the government that our voices and dissenting opinions cannot be silenced.
Here's how you can help
Email those involved
Using the provided template, please respectfully email the following officials:
- Mayor Skip Hall (skip.hall@surpriseaz.gov; mayor@surpriseaz.gov)
- Vice Mayor & D1 Councilmember Nick Haney (nick.haney@surpriseaz.gov)
- D2 Councilmember Aly Cline (aly.cline@surpriseaz.gov)
- D3 Councilmember Patrick Duffy (patrick.duffy@surpriseaz.gov)
- D4 Councilmember Ken Remley (ken.remley@surpriseaz.gov)
- D5 Councilmember Jack Hastings (jack.hastings@surpriseaz.gov)
- D6 Councilmember Chris Judd (chris.judd@surpriseaz.gov)
- City Manager Bob Wingenroth (bob.wingenroth@surpriseaz.gov)
- City Attorney Robert Wingo (robert.wingo@surpriseaz.gov; prosecutor@surpriseaz.gov)
- City of Phoenix Prosecutor’s Office (prosecutors.office@phoenix.gov)
Dear XXX,
The First Amendment’s use of the word “abridging” means governments — whether local, state, or federal — cannot restrict or curtail our freedom of expression.
So why was Rebekah Massie, a You Are The Power member, unjustly arrested for simply exercising her right to free speech during her city council’s meeting in Surprise, Arizona, on August 20, 2024?
Rebekah, a dedicated wife and mother, was forcibly removed from the meeting in handcuffs while speaking during a public comment section about her concerns over the city attorney possibly receiving a pay raise. Her ten-year-old daughter was present, witnessing this traumatic event.
Mayor Skip Hall ordered an officer with the Surprise Police Department to silence and expel Rebekah. She was formally charged over the incident.
Since then, the City of Surprise’s rule prohibiting complaints about city officials, the catalyst for Rebekah’s arrest, has been rescinded, yet Rebekah still faces criminal charges.
I am deeply disturbed by the actions of Mayor Hall and the Surprise Police Department. Their disregard for Rebekah’s rights is a stain on our democracy.
I urge that the criminal charges against Rebekah be dismissed with prejudice and without delay, allowing the City of Surprise to show that it is sincerely committed to change and it won’t silence its citizens in the future.
Respectfully submitted,
YOUR NAME