Arcata police will be present at all future City Council meetings for the foreseeable future following a disturbing incident that occurred on Wednesday, September 17.
The meeting occurred just days after the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. A man entered the meeting, carrying a container wrapped in a towel and what appeared to be a gun under his arm. Anxieties rose as he began approaching the dais. Interpreting this as a potential threat to city officials, City Manager Merritt Perry sprang into action and tackled the man, leading to a physical struggle on the floor of the council chamber.
Officers arrived moments later and subdued the individual. The apparent gun turned out to be a toy Nerf gun with the handle painted black. The handle had been protruding from the suspect’s clothing, making it look realistic. Police also found a butterfly (switchblade) knife in the man’s possession, along with pepper spray and a pipe for methamphetamine.
The suspect has been identified as 36-year-old Shaine Scott Haugen. Originally from Fresno, the man is now living on the streets in Arcata and frequently advocates for the city’s unhoused community. Lieutenant Luke Scown of the Arcata Police Department has said he believes this was an isolated incident.
Haugen was arrested and faces a combination of felony and misdemeanor charges, including disrupting a public meeting; resisting an executive officer with force; assault and battery; felony possession of tear gas; possession of a switchblade knife; and possession of drug paraphernalia.
The city is now discussing additional security measures for Council meetings beyond the increased police presence.
“The rhetoric we have in our community is escalating, and people are looking to divide and intimidate, not find common ground,” Perry told the Redheaded Blackbelt.
Lt. Scown said he too is concerned about the general security of city council meetings, “especially given the current political climate.”