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Newly released police video in Surprise shows the arrest of community activist Rebekah Massie at the Aug. 20 City Council meeting.
Massie was handcuffed and arrested for criminal trespassing and two other charges when Mayor Skip Hall asked her to leave the lectern during Call to the Public for criticizing City Attorney Robert Wingo, who was up for a raise.
At the time, Surprise had a rule against lodging complaints against city staff. But after the Massie incident, the city rescinded that rule.
Police arrested Massie, who didn't want to leave. She is now suing the city for contending the mayor violated her constitutional rights.
The initial video of the arrest, which was streamed on the city's website, has been seen by millions online and created a firestorm for First Amendment activists.
The police cam video shows Massie fighting her arrest and falling to the ground after almost walking into a table in the hallway behind Council Chambers.
Four videos total show either the initial moments of the arrest, the immediate aftermath and the long booking process in the police station after the short walk across from City Hall.
A security camera from right outside Council Chambers shows mayor-elect Kevin Sartor sitting with Massie's 10-year-old daughter, who was in the audience with Massie that night.
Assistant City Manager Tracy Montgomery and Police Chief Benny Pina can also be seen checking on the girl.
Meet Jason Jason Stone joined Independent Newsmedia, Inc., USA, in 2019, after a distinguished three decade media career that included stops at the Arizona Republic, iHeart Media/Clear Channel and Beckett Sports Card magazine. He remembers when airports sold newspapers.
Community: He is a big supporter of the Valley's original sports team: The Phoenix Suns.
Education: Northern Arizona University with a BS in broadcast journalism and a minor in sports coaching.
Random Fact: The capital of Nebraska is Lincoln.
Hobbies: Surfing, backgammon and men who aren't afraid to cry.
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