Protests, fistfight break out after data center moratorium vote postponed for 2nd time
The Memphis City Council postponed a vote on a proposed data center moratorium for the second time, moving the decision to Oct. 20. More than 100 people protested at City Hall, where tensions escalated into a fight and officials halted the meeting.
The Memphis City Council delayed a vote on a proposed data center moratorium until Oct. 20, marking the second postponement of the decision. Councilman Edmund Ford Sr. was absent, while more than 100 people attended the meeting to press their views on the ordinance.
The delay prompted chants and tense exchanges among protesters and council members, and a physical altercation between two women broke out in the City Hall lobby. Memphis police responded, but no one was detained or injured. Councilwoman Yolanda Cooper-Sutton was escorted from the meeting after arguing with protesters, while Councilman JB Smiley said officials should listen to the community and work toward a solution.