Hermantown City Council meeting declared an unlawful assembly, but what does that mean?
A Hermantown City Council meeting on six resolutions related to a proposed Google data center was declared an unlawful assembly after two hours of protests and overcrowding. The meeting was rescheduled, with in-person attendance limited to 85 people and overflow attendees directed to a virtual option.
A special Hermantown City Council meeting focused on six resolutions for a proposed Google data center was halted and declared an unlawful assembly after protesters disrupted the gathering. Hundreds of people packed the council chambers and City Hall entryway, raising fire-code and public-safety concerns.
Retired Cook County Sheriff Pat Eliasen said an unlawful-assembly designation can be justified when conduct threatens public peace, creates safety risks or disregards repeated warnings. He said he did not believe the action violated protesters' First Amendment rights, provided that peaceful expression remained allowed. The council meeting was rescheduled for Friday, with attendance capped at 85 people in person and a virtual option available for others.