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Woman suing Surprise after arrest at City Council meeting adds claims of excessive force

Rebekah Massie speaking at a Surprise City Council meeting on Aug. 20, 2024.
City of Surprise
Rebekah Massie speaking at a Surprise City Council meeting on Aug. 20, 2024.

A woman who is suing the city of Surprise following her arrest at a City Council meeting has amended the civil rights lawsuit to include allegations of excessive force.

Rebekah Massie was arrested after criticizing a council member, running afoul of a now repealed City Council rule. Criminal charges have since been dropped.

“We’ve obtained the body camera footage from Ms. Massie’s arrest and that shows an officer throwing her to the ground," said Adam Steinbaugh, who is representing Massie in the suit.

The suit also alleges the city violated Massie’s 1st Amendment rights. Steinbaugh says they are open to a settlement.

Jill Ryan joined KJZZ in 2020 as a morning reporter, and she is currently a field correspondent and Morning Edition producer.
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