FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 25, 2025
SURPRISE, AZ — Members of Northwest Valley Indivisible (NWVI) gathered this morning outside the Surprise district office of Representative Abe Hamadeh to peacefully exercise their constitutional right to free speech and assembly — a right they say has felt increasingly under attack.
Before the demonstration, NWVI co-chair Brent Peak met with the Surprise Police Department and with Rep. Hamadeh’s senior law enforcement advisor to discuss safety for everyone involved. Organizers expressed appreciation for law enforcement’s cooperation in ensuring a safe environment for civic engagement.
“Free speech is not a privilege handed out by politicians. It’s a right guaranteed to every American,” said Peak. “At a time when dissent is being painted as dangerous or un-American, we believe it’s essential to show up — peacefully, visibly, and unapologetically.”
NWVI has a documented history of coordinating with police and even counter-protest organizers to keep demonstrations nonviolent and safe, despite repeated attempts by some political leaders to portray peaceful activism as threatening.
“Democracy only works when citizens feel safe to speak out,” Peak added. “We will continue to stand up — without fear, without violence, and without letting intimidation silence us.”
For more information about Northwest Valley Indivisible and upcoming civic action events, visit www.northwestvalleyindivisible.org.