Westlake council threatened with gun violence on social media over data center, police say
Keller police are investigating social media threats of gun violence made against Westlake council members concerning a proposed data center. This threat emerged following a Planning and Zoning Commission meeting where numerous residents voiced opposition due to noise and water use concerns. The Westlake Town Council is scheduled to hold a special meeting to discuss the development plan, with additional security measures in place.
Keller police are actively investigating a social media threat involving gun violence against Westlake Town Council members, which emerged in connection with a proposed data center. Deputy Police Chief Ryan Coe confirmed the deleted Aug. 6 post, made by a Fort Worth resident, discussed shooting a council member, though no one was named or arrested.
The threat followed an Aug. 4 Westlake Planning and Zoning Commission meeting where over 100 Keller residents voiced strong opposition to the 1.1-million-square-foot data center campus proposed along Denton Highway. Residents raised concerns about potential negative impacts on noise, water use, health, and property values, urging commissioners to delay approval of the site plan. However, Westlake officials indicated the land was already zoned for data centers, and the project, developed by Powerhouse, is permitted "by right."
The Westlake Town Council has scheduled a special meeting for Aug. 17 at 4 p.m. to review the data center's development plan and ensure compliance with the town's zoning ordinance regarding infrastructure, architecture, and landscaping. Due to the social media threat, Jon Sasser, a spokesperson for Westlake, stated that additional security measures will be implemented for the upcoming council meeting.