Supporters and opponents of Hermantown data center weigh in on Monday’s meeting
Supporters and opponents of the proposed Hermantown data center disputed what happened during a special city council meeting that ended early after police declared an unlawful assembly. Opponents said they were peacefully protesting after public comment access was limited, while supporters described the meeting as disruptive and unsafe.
A special Hermantown City Council meeting intended to address items that could advance a proposed data center ended early after Hermantown police declared an unlawful assembly and cited safety concerns. The meeting reportedly reached building capacity, and public comment was closed while many attendees were still waiting to speak.
Jack Carlson, president of the Duluth Building and Construction Trades Council, condemned the disruption and said the protest became hostile. Sarah Lofald of the Stop the Hermantown Data Center group said opponents were exercising their free-speech rights and argued that city officials should have provided a larger venue to ensure public access. The Duluth Building and Construction Trades Council and Hermantown Chamber of Commerce also issued a statement criticizing the meeting's disruption.