2 Nashua Residents Arrested At Executive Council Meeting

CONCORD, NH — Nine protesters were arrested at Wednesday’s Executive Council meeting, accused of disrupting the meeting as the board considered $27 million in federal contracts for vaccine promotion and tracking assistance.

Close to 300 held a rally outside of the state’s Police and Standards and Training Council building in Concord. Close to 200 were allowed into the meeting and later, a handful were accused of shouting, hissing, and disrupting the meeting.

Concerns raised about the contract were a specific paragraph that stated, by accepting the funds, New Hampshire would support the federal government’s quarantine and enforcement efforts to fight the COVID-19 pandemic. Many believe this provision would lead to a challenge of New Hampshire's sovereignty as state officials commit to fighting federal vaccine mandates.

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Gov. Chris Sununu, who called the concerns conspiratorial and lacking merit, since nearly all federal contracts contained similar language, requested audience members remain calm and allow the meeting to be held so the board could accomplish its business.

However, a number of people refused, which led New Hampshire State Police to arrest nine.

Two were residents of Nashua: Marylyn Todd, 37, an accountant and the leader of the New Hampshire Voter Integrity Group, which wants a full audit of the 2020 election, was arrested on a disorderly conduct charge, while Albert Todd, 32, faces disorderly conduct and resisting arrest charges.

Those arrested on disorderly conduct charges include: John Schmitt, 68, of Keene; Frank Staples, 41, of Manchester, who was arrested in March, accused of plastering the Queen City with anti-mask mandate stickers; Monica Holm, 58, of Hudson; Emilee Spiller, 26, of New Ipswich; James Stuart, 68, of Rochester; and Terese Grinnell, 48, of Loudon, the nurse who has been at the forefront of organizing against the vaccine mandate.

Kathleen Bussiere-Appleton, 70, of Newton was also charged with disorderly conduct and resisting arrest.

During the meeting, many members in attendance turned their backs on the members. After rejecting the contract by a 4-to-1 vote, the audience cheered.

In a statement, the New Hampshire Department of Safety said it respects the protected right to peacefully protest in accordance with all state laws but “the individuals arrested at today’s Governor and Council meeting failed to comply with a lawful order from the NH State Police and intentionally disrupted the meeting.”

Editor's note: This post was derived from information supplied by the New Hampshire State Police and does not indicate a conviction. This link explains the removal request process for New Hampshire Patch police reports.

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