A 22-year-old Newton man was criticizing the city government and the local police department during the citizen participation portion of the council meeting on Oct. 3 when we was cut off by the mayor, asked to leave and when he refused was arrested by the police chief for disorderly conduct.
Noah Petersen called for the city to defund the Newton Police Department, saying it is a “violent, civil and human rights violating organization” that does not make the community safer. He also claimed the department is “pro-domestic abuse” for employing a domestic abuser.
Newton Mayor Mike Hansen slammed his gavel and said Petersen was out of order. Despite Petersen’s protests, Hansen called on Newton Police Chief Rob Burdess to escort him from the council chambers inside city hall. Hansen said Petersen was violating the rules of the city council meeting.
“You are violating the United States Constitution,” Petersen said.
Newton Police Chief Rob Burdess arrested a man by the name of Noah Petersen tonight at a city council meeting. During public comment, Petersen criticized the police department and said it supports domestic abuse, referring to a specific officer. The mayor demanded he be removed. pic.twitter.com/zj6vQSb1hb
— Christopher Braunschweig (@ChrisBrunswick) October 4, 2022