WATCH: ‘You’ve got to let her speak!’ Michigan residents sue after mayor’s temper tantrum shuts down public criticism

On the evening of Sept. 6, residents of Eastpointe, Mich., attended a city council meeting hoping, as people often do, that their voices would be heard by those in power. What followed was a catastrophe of civil governance.

Just 19 seconds into public comments, Eastpointe Mayor Monique Owens interrupted the first speaker. The speaker was expressing support for a city council member involved in a dispute with Owens, who claims 85-year-old Councilman Harvey Curley “assaulted” her at a community car parade, which he denied. Eastpointe police declined to arrest Curley and prosecutors did not file charges. Eastpointers wanted to weigh in on the scandal involving their elected officials, but Owens would not let them.

“Okay, you know what, I’m going to stop you right there,” Owens interjected, “or we’re going to stop the council meeting, because I’m not going to let you speak on something that has to do with a police — ”

Mayor Owens may not want to hear our feedback, but we have the right to speak up.

“How did you know what I was going to say?” the resident responded sharply.

As Owens attempted to talk over the resident, one member of the council said, “Mayor, you’ve got to let her speak!”

Over the next 12 minutes, as residents — one after another — attempted to speak out, Owens shut them down, claiming that she has the authority as mayor to dictate what topics may or may not be discussed during the meeting. Even the city attorney made clear on the record that the First Amendment provides Eastpointers “free rein” to discuss whatever topics they choose.

“This is ridiculous,” another resident said during public comment. “There’s no reason for this. We have First Amendment rights. Part of our First Amendment right clearly states we have the right to redress our government without fear of reprisal or retaliation.”

The meeting concluded shortly thereafter when the four other council members walked out.

Today, FIRE filed a federal lawsuit that will remind Owens that a mayor takes an oath to defend the Constitution — not herself.

“I love Eastpointe. Eastpointe is my home,” said Mary Hall-Rayford, a community activist, former chaplain, and school board member who attempted to speak at the meeting. “But every resident should have the freedom to express their thoughts about what happens in their community. Mayor Owens may not want to hear our feedback, but we have the right to speak up.”

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