Death threats to Marshall city council members over data centers determined to be credible
Marshall, Michigan city council members received credible death threats tied to an ongoing dispute over a proposed data center. This escalation follows a unanimous council vote on August 3rd to enact a one-year moratorium on new data center developments to evaluate a 270-acre project proposed by Alterra Development. Residents have protested the project over concerns about electricity demands, noise, and environmental impacts.
Marshall, Michigan police have initiated an investigation into what have been determined to be credible death threats against city council members. Mayor Scott Wolfersberger confirmed law enforcement alerted officials to the risks. Councilmembers James Hackworth and Ryan Traver publicly addressed the threats, with Hackworth emphasizing that such actions cross the line from legitimate activism.
This hostile escalation comes after the Marshall City Council’s unanimous vote on August 3rd to establish a one-year temporary moratorium on all new data center developments. The 365-day pause was enacted to allow city officials time to assess the environmental and logistical impacts of a 270-acre data center project proposed by Alterra Development at Brooks Industrial Park.
Residents have actively protested the proposed site, citing concerns over substantial electricity demands, potential low-frequency noise pollution, and ecological threats to nearby wetlands and vital water resources. City council members have stated that the moratorium's intent is to strengthen regulatory ordinances rather than outright kill the project.