Data center moratorium vote postponed after fight, protests

MEMPHIS, Tenn. (WMC/Gray News) — Chaos ensued during Tuesday night’s data center moratorium vote by the city council in Memphis, Tennessee.

More than 100 people showed up to the meeting to hear the outcome on the proposed ordinance.

“This is just a total hazard. We’ve basically been invaded by strangers, by people that have gotten paid, and they have not communicated with us in any way,” said Amber Lowe, a local community member. “This is hurtful, and I’m rethinking where I need to be living at.”

The decision to delay the vote until Oct. 20 led to a fight breaking out in the lobby and tense exchanges among city council members.

A fight between two women spilled into the lobby, with punches thrown while protesters chanted inside the meeting. One woman had her hair pulled and was slapped seconds later.

Councilwoman Yolanda Cooper-Sutton was pulled out of the meeting after arguing with protesters and council member JB Smiley.

“You could’ve came to see me like I asked you to... I ain’t no coward; you pipe down, baby, I clap back,” Cooper-Sutton said.

The city council halted the meeting amid the turmoil and subsequently delayed the vote.

Crowds chanted “this is our city” and “show me what democracy looks like” as the demonstration moved from the chamber into the halls of the building.

Protesters said they are not done pursuing the issue.

Memphis police were called to the disturbance at city hall, but a department spokesperson says no one was detained and no one was harmed.