Utah County Data Center Protester Arrested After Confrontation With Deputy
A data center protester, Aspen Azalea, was arrested after a confrontation with a Utah County sheriff's deputy following a county planning meeting. The meeting included approval of land-use ordinance changes allowing data centers in additional zones and creating a data center overlay zone, prompting opposition from residents and the group UT for the People Not Tech Billionaires.
Utah County officials approved changes to the county's land-use ordinance allowing data centers in Mining and Grazing and Industrial zones, creating a Data Center Overlay Zone and establishing development standards. The vote drew vocal opposition from residents and members of UT for the People Not Tech Billionaires, who interrupted the meeting and were removed by deputies.
Protester Aspen Azalea was arrested after a deputy forced her to the ground. The Utah County Sheriff's Office alleged that Azalea struck the deputy below the belt, while Azalea denied kicking him and accused officers of singling her out and using excessive force. Sheriff Mike Smith defended the deputies' actions, saying protesters could not disrupt public business, while the protest group called for an investigation. Azalea faces misdemeanor charges related to disrupting the meeting, interfering with an arresting officer and assaulting a police officer.