Data center moratorium vote postponed after fight, protests
News ClipKTTC | Rochester, MN·Memphis, Shelby County, TN·10/7/2026
The Memphis City Council postponed a vote on a proposed data center moratorium after a contentious meeting involving protesters and a physical fight. Police responded, but no arrests or injuries were reported.
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Gov: Memphis City Council
A large group of Memphis residents attended a City Council meeting to oppose data center development as council members prepared to vote on a proposed moratorium. The meeting became chaotic when Councilwoman Yolanda Cooper-Sutton argued with protesters and Council Member JB Smiley, and she was removed from the meeting.
A fight broke out in the lobby while protesters chanted inside the meeting room. The council halted the meeting and delayed the moratorium vote. Police responded, but officials reported no arrests or injuries.