FIRE sues Michigan mayor who abused power, shouted down constituents

FIRE filed a federal lawsuit that will remind Monique Owens, mayor of Eastpointe, Michigan, that a mayor takes an oath to defend the Constitution, not herself. FIRE is representing four Eastpointe citizens - Mary Hall-Rayford, Karen Beltz, Cindy Federle, and Karen Mouradjian - who sued Owens and the city of Eastpointe, Michigan, to protect the rights of all Eastpointers to peacefully criticize government officials.
Owens was elected mayor of Eastpointe, a suburb of Detroit, in 2019. At a Sept. 6, 2022, city council meeting, Owens abused her power as the presiding officer by shouting down and suppressing criticism of her while the floor was open for public comments.

[@redkatana7450]

What a toxic and abusive woman. It's unreal she thinks this is ok as an elected public officer. Holy moly. She needs to resign immediately.

[@jamesdrake2378]

She is a former law enforcement officer, I have noticed that many of the law enforcement people have a very low tolerance for what they perceive to be non compliance to their directives, legality has little to do with anything.

[@moonlightlady6126]

@@jamesdrake2378 As they say, that explains a lot, but doesn't excuse her behavior. She should learn that a role in government is primarily about listening, not being paranoid, not prejudging, but listening, and allowing others to speak their minds freely. And really this woman is an insult to most in law enforcement. I've had policemen come to my home when they would be inquiring about close neighboring disturbances and so what, they were always good listeners and always tried to keep all parties in a peaceful and pleasant mindset. So, I don't know where this MAYOR got her closed mindset, or her extreme arrogance.

[@jamesdrake2378]

@@moonlightlady6126 you would think so, but some of these retired police are so habituated to this behavior is my point. To your point yes this is not a excuse.

[@katiewest3415]

Every council member should request her resignation so the city can save face and not be sued.

[@Princesss93]

@@jamesdrake2378 I thought she did clerical work.

[@bitsiebubblebee7129]

"as long as I'm mayor"... The arrogance is unbelievable. Vote her out, out, out.

[@ministryofpeacekmk]

OUT! ✔

[@philalethes1272]

@pantsmonsterv6 so they are racists?

[@bethemonsterorbedevoured7795]

She's what's wrong with America. People who want the authority of kings, but the accountability of children.

[@DrShawnBerry]

They have no sense of duty. They are incapable of these positions of granted authority. Our social contract is broken. We the People, as the beneficiaries of that contract, are due to be compensated!

[@TheNancypoo]

Well said, it's all throughout the country at this point.

[@kimicappiello5480]

@@TheNancypoo agreed.

[@bitsiebubblebee7129]

People like that nasty, incompetent mayor have useless degrees like "gender studies" or "sociology". They haven't a clue how to lead.

[@mariejohnson9665]

Especially black people

[@dianedimond6495]

This is why so many people have such distain for elected officials. Shame on this Mayor.

[@rondivine4211]

This mayor needs to be impeached immediately!

[@mattschonert9857]

As an Eastpointe resident, I am grateful to FIRE for helping the plaintiffs with this case.

[@MaryHallRayford]

Did you post this on the council page on FB!

[@bitcheslikme]

@@MaryHallRayford I think this mayor needs to go. Report her to FEC and the DOJ and start the recall process immediately! I commend you and the citizens for filing suit, but she needs to be held accountable for her corruption!

[@MasterBiffpudwell]

You get what you vote for.

[@FifthConcerto]

The POINT of the First Amendment is for US to voice OUR grievances of YOU, Mayor. You get to speak too, but you do NOT get to shout someone down from on high on your bench. If you like speaking out so much, quit your job and complain about the next person to take it.

[@kelleysussman8114]

This Mayor needs to be remove from office , she forgets she serves the People not the other way around . She is Horrible. In all fairness the rest of the borad members were trying to stop her .

[@michaelpalmieri7335]

*board

[@freeenergynow]

@@michaelpalmieri7335 The rest of the board could have walked out then she'd have no quarum!

[@nobodynoone2500]

What an abusive woman. Wonder how she treats those close to her.

[@ninapinkston4362]

Horribly

[@paulclifton0691]

I hope that at least inwardly, the mayor is embarrassed for running her constituents over like this (and in childish fashion by simply reflecting their 1st Amendment defense back at them). If she is unwilling or unable to receive criticism as a public official, then she cannot be in that position.

[@lynnelowder3860]

hah, not likely....

[@sarahspicer9992]

absolutely facts 💯💯💯

[@ministryofpeacekmk]

I doubt it!

[@nunyabiz5668]

And she's wearing a mask except when she shouts. What a logical thinker.

[@HostileTakeover555]

I saw this video a few weeks ago. So glad you guys took on this case! It’s an egregious abuse of power.

[@garonpetty6083]

I did also and sent it to my Attorney tonight.

[@DEWwords]

What a monster she is.

[@TrackerNeil]

I think Owens got too far out over her skiis, and instead of pulling back, she doubled down. Bad move, Mayor.

[@dv9360]

Far too fragile an ego for the position

[@mikev9359]

Look at those on that bench. Although wearing masks (🤦🏻‍♂️) they’re looking at the mayor in disbelief. Yes she has the same 1st Amendment rights as those at the podium but it does NOT allow her to silence them & that’s what she’s doing!

[@jamesdrake2378]

The Mayor seems to be a bit full of herself.

[@dorothysay8327]

A bit?? She’s a total arschloch.

[@jkrepairfacility8952]

I really hope they win. That Mayor was being a you-know-what. There was no reason to berate and speak over these people. Who is it she says is "being re-victimized"? What a horrible person, I hope you get her out of office soon.

[@Whitefangbioweapon]

She's being a major C-u-n-t.

[@toddmitchell9014]

Hopefully her opponent in the next election will use this in their commercials.

[@timolsen3671]

Go FIRE!!!!

[@RonaldJosephKuleAuthor]

that mayor has NO CLUE about the first amendment AT ALL.

[@mazyegillisgmail]

Threatening your constituents?

[@michaelrunner8201]

I'm glad she's being held accountable. She seems to not understand the format and that she is sitting there as an elected official. She wasn't elected to be Queen and I was halfway expecting to hear her say, "off with your head!". Listening to grievances and criticism is part of the job, be it just or unjust. Props to the city attorney for what he said as well as the two counsel members who got up and left. They seemed very frustrated so I'm sure this wasn't the first time that they've witness this kind of behavior.

[@dadsapp]

If a quorum is lost it ends the meeting...

[@ministryofpeacekmk]

"Off with your head!" 😅🤣

[@ognyena]

Queens don't act like that!!

[@dadsapp]

@@ministryofpeacekmk Right!?!?

[@lovemcurvy3126]

They all queens

[@micsox]

The mayor invoking her own freedom of speech to stifle, heckle, and ultimately block the right of these 3 individual's to freely and openly criticize her actions, especially at a city council meeting during public commentary, is despicable. Perhaps this city council needs a jester to walk out and fart in the middle of the room everytime the mayor needs an ego check since this woman apparently thinks she's the ruler of her city and council meetings are her royal court.

[@averyjoycelynbarakudablock4139]

How does a person like this get elected? How does a person like this even get out of high schoo l?? BRAVO, FiRE!

[@mv1851]

By changing to ranked voting system and lying.

[@royalseptemberent.870]

O trust if we said it it would be to offensive lol..

[@bolivershagnasty3851]

the biden way is how lol

[@xrxs1020]

Where do these irrational individuals come from?

[@Noname-sf3ey]

Wow Crazy

[@sethfisher6469]

Really sad that someone could become a mayor without understanding freedom of speech. It means you can say what you want, not that you can stop other people from saying what they want.

[@chukwudiilozue9171]

It's not even freedom of speech: you can't get in a shouting match like that and be dignified.

[@kristenwyatt2863]

This is absolutely insane. I hope something is truly being done about this.

[@mashalleroberts1125]

Im sure fire will win. This mayor needs to be removed! She in violation of her towns rights to reprove her of what she is doing. Apparently not a good job that's for sure!

[@Bluelightning23]

That mayor has no concept of what the 1st. Amendment is about. She seems to think her rights override the public's rights.

[@JohnADuerk]

As someone who believes in the democratic process, this is difficult to watch. If residents are entitled to their "public comment," then they should be able to respectfully share their thoughts uninterrupted by anyone who attends the public meeting.

[@dualfluidreactor]

She didn't even try to hide her idiocy xddd. Did she think she is the law!? How on earth could she get elected? What's wrong with Michigan? Is this the best you can do? My bet is she won't be mayor for long.

[@michaelpalmieri7335]

You're right! This so-called mayor should be impeached, like they should have done with Donald Trump.

[@michaelpalmieri7335]

@@mattfromtinder666 I know, and they failed each time, because the Senate committee that was formed to investigate the charges against Trump was packed with dozens of Pro-Trump Republicans, who didn't even bother to examine the evidence.

[@rweber130]

It's hard to believe this woman was even elected as mayor. She lacks familiarity with what the 1st amendment actually says and comes off as kind of dumb. She doesn't like what people are saying and states they're violating her 1st ammendment rights. It's apparent she needs to brush up on the 1st ammendment

[@jeffreykennedy5953]

My understanding is that a public official has reduced 1st ammendment rights when carrying out their duties for the government. So the citizens rights to criticize outweigh the public officials rights in that setting.

[@richardbono5540]

I believe MAYOR Monique Owens is being addressed not as a individual, but as the mayor, a servant of the people, and accountable to her constituents, as such she is abusing their 1st amendment rights. If she wants to rule like a Queen I say off with her head

[@minion0777]

I'm glad she has been CHARGED ACCORDINGLY!! ENJOY your legal charges honey!!

[@darienpinkston7311]

I'm someone who knew Monique Owens on a personal level 4 years ago and I assure you this is exactly who she is. I was surprised that she was able to win the race for mayor considering the kind of person that she is. Honestly this makes me feel a little bit better because I thought that I was in the wrong when I had a disagreement with her and it escalated

[@ninapinkston4362]

Here, here, son. Exactly who she is, always argumentative, never takes any criticism, can,dish it out, but not take it. I’m not surprised by her behaviors at all. In a heated argument she told my son F/U, in front of her children. She can disrespect you, but not the other way around. PATHETIC, disgusting,shameful behavior. She should be removed from office by whatever means necessary.

[@DRAGNET-pn5vf]

ANY NEW UPDATES WOULD GLADLY BE APPRECIATED! THIS IS CRAZY! 🇺🇸✌️👍🏻

[@philipswan9595]

She understands she’s in the United States right? I’m from Michigan and I see the flags everywhere. Will someone explain to her that Eastpointe residents do not see her as their elected dictator?

[@johncomments2730]

Thank you FIRE, I love the mission and the name

[@ministryofpeacekmk]

They need to get that mayor the hell out of there! She works for the people, she is NOT the boss of the people!!

[@clarewitcomb6918]

I hope to see what happens with the lawsuit. Hopefully she will be recalled soon. Crazy woman who has no business being mayor!!! 😠😠

[@feliciaalston-singleton8196]

Total abuse of Power. Some politicians think they are above the law. She was unprofessional, all about herself, and as a public servant she did NOT address the residents she serve. Disregard for the public LAWLESS

[@michaelpalmieri7335]

She must have been taking a page out of Donald Trump's playbook.

[@bigballa313]

@@michaelpalmieri7335doubt it, she's a fascist

[@michaelpalmieri7335]

@@bigballa313 That's what I mean.

[@kathleenfrakes4188]

She has the idea she's queen, an open forum is an open forum. That mayor has taking away the freedom of speech.

[@darianbalcom8777]

I'm so glad you sued and won. Free speech is the top issue Americans need to support!

[@kveldgorkon4611]

Typical.. As Soon as they get a taste of Power, They Abuse it

[@fisherbonas]

For someone who insists on not being talked over continually talks over EVERYONE in the room. What a nasty woman. It's convenient the mayor's microphone is louder than anyone else's.

[@beautifullym3863]

See this what happens when put the ratchet in a seat of power

[@sitdowndogbreath]

Send her back to Detroit when she belongs

[@Its2ru]

The ratchet?

[@michaelmetry5633]

💯💯agree😊… just a naughty human being!!!

[@lisaryan-counselingforbusy5535]

A legend in her own mind.

[@vancecummings1851]

Is this what happens when public servants think they have dictatorial powers? Why did I think it was a government of the people by the people for the people?

[@jayray7872]

Imagine that, a person who ran on accusations of racism, while being an outspoken anti-white racist, isn’t a good mayor. Smh. This town deserves this woman.

[@belindaquinton2769]

A little power is too much for some. Peachment is the answer, I 🤔 think.

[@michaelpalmieri7335]

You mean IMpeachment! 😆😆😆 You must be taking a hint from Marjorie Taylor Greene, of "peach tree dish" (petri dish) infamy. 👎👎👎 Ironically, that "thinking" emoji (🤔) you used looks almost like a peach.

[@dorothysay8327]

Impeachment.

[@AbsentMinded619]

You can see the modern progressive education come out from that mayor, with her senseless word salad about victims and platforms. America is in for a rough next 50 years.

[@michaelpalmieri7335]

You can't necessarily blame "modern progressive education" for this mayor's behavior. When people are elected to any public office, the power can sometimes go to their heads, making them arrogant and self-righteous, which leads to them thinking that they're above the law. So, they start believing that the people they were elected to serve are "beneath" them, and that they can treat them in any way they like, no matter how unfair.

[@AbsentMinded619]

You’re right about all of that, but her specific terminology is shop-talk from progressive circles. Claiming to be “re-victimized” by criticism, and obsessing over who gets to use “platforms.” People don’t naturally talk like that.

[@jordmorton]

Is she just making up rules on the fly? Lmfao. "AS LONG AS I'M MAYOR", wow this is literal fascism bahahahaha.

[@LeadDesert13]

I've been through this before and sued the Collier County School District in Florida for essentially the same behavior. Collier Country settled with me because it knew it was entirely in the wrong. kzbin.info/www/bejne/aKjKoouIpKmAhbM I encourage anyone who has suffered this type of abuse of power at the hands of government officials to resort to the courts and to the poll booths. This is not how America works. We, as citizens, do have rights under our God-inspired Constitution, and we must show our public servants that they are there to serve us, not the other way around. Thank you, FIRE, for taking up this matter. You all are an amazing force for good.

[@leroyrushing9787]

She needs to be in prison. This is highly illegal. Gross neglect of oath of Office.

[@chrisp.6056]

She shouldn't be using HER platform.....She shouldn't even HAVE a platform.

[@c.f.1133]

Monique Owns needs to resign quickly, quietly, and avoid public office for the rest of her life.

[@dualfluidreactor]

I kinda have a feeling she won't do anything quietly.

[@user-os1qs8ud2p]

Time for a Recall Petition.

[@jasonpace9260]

She should not even be given the opportunity to resign, she should be removed from office immediately and face charges for First Amendment rights violation under the color of law

[@andrewewels3054]

Give corrupt people power and watch then abuse the citizens.

[@rider92131]

I LOVE it when an official acts like this mayor. She's doing more to convince people to vote against her (and her policies) than any future opponent could possibly hope to achieve. It sure looks like an easy case to win in court. But sadly, when her losing side has to pay for the winners' attorneys (including FIRE), it will be the city TAXPAYERS and not the mayor who will have to write the check.

[@ninapinkston4362]

Ex personal,friend of hers. SMH, I’m not surprised by her behaviors at all. I expect nothing less from her. That’s who she is, Extremely and always very argumentative, and you’ll never win an argument with her. She will disrespect you, but don’t say anything she doesn’t like or an argument will ensue. I won’t be at all surprised if I get a call from her, if she reads my comments. Last time we spoke, I called her to,let her know my sister was dying. My niece wouldn’t let her come in my moms house without a mask on, her comment to me is my niece disrespected her, what you see is what you get….she can dish it out…her behavior was deplorable, disgusting, shameful, disgraceful. But that is who she is. Btw, my sister died less than an hour later, which I called to tell her, no sympathy, nothing. Eastpointe needs to go out in force if she has the audacity to run again….check her out on Wikipedia.

[@MasterBiffpudwell]

All I can say is you get what you vote for. I'm actually surprised we didn't hear her say "Silence peasant! I'm the queen and you will bow to my authority."

[@mykeldemartine2332]

Someone needs to read her the Bill of Rights in our constitution. If she can't take the heat, get out of the kitchen + resign !!!

[@sing2me]

As Mayor she only has duties and responsibilities. We the People have rights and authority. Let that sink in.

[@Kartiroblox]

Wow she’s out of order and disrespectful

[@mikeshaw9220]

This is what comes of identity politics when boxes are checked but the person is unbelievably ignorant. She has no clue

[@j.justinstone2123]

Unreal...I don't understand what makes people think they can shut down other people's speech.

[@kellyjefferson]

Power. This woman shouldn't be dog catcher.

[@patriciadavis784]

That Mayor is Out Of Line!!!

[@_alizamarie]

Please tell that this horrible MONSTER of a "mayor" was FIRED, right???!!!

[@gr8fuldaveb]

Prerequisite to be mayor should be an attorney

[@pak3211]

Crazy woman needs to pay the city for all the damage she caused and rights she violated

[@treborheminway3814]

Time for a recall!

[@Princesss93]

Her sentences are nearly incoherent. So many syntax errors. How is she in office?

[@remygrandcruz]

That mayor is so crazy

[@phoebusapollo4677]

Why can’t this mayor be removed? How did she get elected?

[@dadsapp]

Is she single? ...ain't no man gonna put up with a mouth like that. I'd start a recall petition to have her yanked out of office due to her hubris alone...how utterly uncalled for and disrespectful!

[@dadsapp]

@@mattfromtinder666 You mean the crazy subset? It can't be her sex or skin color that accounts for this level of childishness. I personally know way too many black females that would never act so impertinent toward others the way she has.

[@vincevincent4469]

I hope she is Gone... unreal and just more proof how power tries to control the people.

[@aaronnichols9444]

This mayor has obviously never read the Bill of Rights! First amendment codifies more than free speech, it also protects the right to petition the Government for a redress of grievances. This mayor is blatantly infringing on the First Amendment rights of the citizens she swore to serve. She will lose this case!

[@katiewest3415]

Abuse of power she needs removed . The other members left not bc of the constituents but bc the mayor wouldn't let anyone talk.

[@MrBobochow]

Obviously the Mayor didn’t understand the Rules of how to run a meeting.

[@bhz8947]

This is what happens when good people don't run for office.

[@burto3872]

This is the problem with local government. They need to learn the laws. The problem starts here and just gets worse. Vote them out now. FJB

[@nict6549]

What?! How is she mayor?! She didn’t get the memo that this is where the people who live in the city are aloud to voice their concerns about any and all things involved in that city? They will win this, she will lose her job and her integrity if she hasn’t already. People who want to be politicians need to realize they are where they are because we the people put them there and we the people can take it back! She will learn real quick.

[@PKCP60]

Should name a ghetto after Owens.

[@dantealighieri9540]

That mayor need some lessons on the constitution.

[@kimberlyosborn7425]

She needs to GO❤

[@moonlightlady6126]

The Major has shown herself to be inept. Firstly, she could have taken a look around at the number of residents who were lining up to speak on behalf of Councilman Curly. Secondly, she should have asked this group, "are all of you here to support Councilman Curly, and do all of you pretty much have the same thing to say on his behalf...if so, I'd suggest, in the interest of time, that you all get together and elect one person as spokesperson on behalf of you all as a group...and we, as a council will hear that person on your behalf. But if each of you insists on being allowed to speak, there will be time limits, but yes, you will be allowed to address this council" Done. No Problem. The Mayor should have sit there OBJECTIVELY and allowed these people to speak their minds. If she had done this, she would have elevated herself amongst the entire council.

[@thomastheram5331]

WOW how can someone so ignorant become mayor? Learn your rights people. You can whatever you want as long as you don't threatened anyone.

[@mvallejr1]

I made myself watch this train wreck, it was an incredible disaster to watch unfold so badly for the mayor, HOW...just how did this woman win the mayoral ship with that mindset n mentality of the Operating Procedures, Policies, Rules n the LAW not to mention, her interpretation of the Constitution, lol....wow

[@PreciousFifi]

Wow! I almost expected her to start in with "I know you are but what am I". That back-and-forth was so childish.

[@suigeneris-1]

Without disagreeing with FIRE's position here, it would have been nice to have some background on the police matter in question.

[@AbsentMinded619]

At a city event, she took the microphone and made a speech uninvited. Another city council member, age 80, who was on the event’s board walked up and reproached her for her behavior. She lied and went to the police, claiming that he had assaulted her. The assault accusations were disproven and she was denied a restraining order she had asked for against her colleague. This is the embarrassing incident that this mayor didn’t want brought up in the meeting by citizens, even though she was concurrently still accusing the councilman of assault. (This is what she means by claiming to have been “victimized.”)

[@mariemaroney7891]

@@AbsentMinded619 thank you for explaining that. I was wondering who was being “victimized and re-victimized “. In truth I would say it was the 80 year old man, not this “MAYOR”.

[@maryguillory2187]

@@AbsentMinded619 Yikes!

[@jstnxprsn]

Time for a recall campaign.

[@kentboyer1312]

What the hell?

[@thebackbencher666]

What an unintelligent person. No one whos educated says “ speak on.” It’s talk about.

[@ra.8519]

* who’s 😂. I agree, but just saying.

[@thebackbencher666]

@@ra.8519 Thank you 🙂

[@knowledgebornunderstanding8826]

Madame Mayor you are working in the capacity of the mayor which means you are the GOVERNMENT and people have a right to redress their government about anything whether you like it or not. If you can’t handle it resign .

[@reignman4529]

They should be able to speak up in support

[@teresabenson3385]

"Imma gonna have a point of order and talk over you."