Surprise police cameras from the Massie incident show arrest and booking

Newly released police video in Surprise shows the arrest of community activist Rebekah Massie at the August 20 City Council meeting.

Massie was handcuffed and arrested on trespassing and two other charges when Mayor Skip Hall asked her to leave the podium during a call to the public for criticizing District Attorney Robert Wingo, who had requested a raise.

At the time, Surprise banned the filing of complaints against city employees. But after the Massie incident, the city repealed that rule.

Police arrested Massie, who wouldn't leave. She is now suing the city because she claims the mayor violated her constitutional rights.

The first video of the arrest, streamed on the city's website, was seen by millions online and sparked a firestorm among First Amendment activists.

Police camera video shows Massie fighting her arrest and falling to the ground after nearly running into a table in the hallway behind the council chambers.

A total of four videos show either the first moments of the arrest, the immediate consequences and the long booking process at the police station after the short walk opposite the town hall.

A surveillance camera just outside the council chambers shows Mayor-elect Kevin Sartor sitting with Massie's 10-year-old daughter, who was in the audience with Massie that night.

Also seen are Deputy City Manager Tracy Montgomery and Police Chief Benny Pina checking on the girl.

Jason Stone
Senior News Editor | Surprise

[email protected]

Meet Jason
Jason Stone joined Independent Newsmedia, Inc., USA in 2019 after a distinguished three-decade media career that included stints at 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.