Utah Senator Confronts Reporter During Data Center Controversy Coverage

An ABC4 reporter experienced a physical confrontation with Utah Republican Senator Jerry Stevenson while reporting on a controversial 40,000-acre data center project approved in Box Elder County. The Box Elder County Commission recently approved resolutions to collaborate with the Military Installation Development Authority (MIDA) for the large-scale data center. Senator Stevenson, who owns J&J Nursery and Garden Center in Layton, serves on the board for MIDA. The incident occurred as the reporter investigated a social media post promoting a boycott of Stevenson's nursery, due to his involvement with the data center project and alleged harassment faced by his employees. Senator Stevenson, a powerful GOP lawmaker, confronted the reporter and allegedly hit his phone out of his hand. Police were called to the scene by a witness, though officers reported no definitive confirmation of a physical shove or hit, despite the reporter showing video evidence. Following the confrontation, the reporter attempted to secure a comment or interview from Senator Stevenson regarding the situation at his business, but this request was declined. However, an officer later conveyed Stevenson's apology for the incident in the parking lot.