Protests and fights break out after data center moratorium vote postponed for second time

MEMPHIS, Tenn. (WMC) – Chaos ensued at Memphis City Hall Tuesday after the City Council again decided to delay a vote on a data center moratorium.

The vote is now postponed to October 20.

Who voted for the postponement?

Of the 13 members of the municipal council:

• Seven voted “yes”:
  • J. Ford Canale
  • Chase Carlisle
  • Rhonda Logan
  • Philippe Spinosa
  • Dr. Jeff Warren
  • Janika White
  • Yolanda Cooper Sutton
• Five voted “no”:
  • Michalyn Easter-Thomas
  • Jerri Green
  • JB Smiley Jr.
  • Pearl Eva Walker
  • Jana Swearengen Washington

And Councilman Edmund Ford Sr. was absent from Tuesday’s meeting.

Trouble breaks out

More than 100 people showed up to hear the outcome of the proposed ordinance, and the decision to delay the vote led to a fight in the lobby and tense exchanges between city council members.

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

Memphis police were called to the disturbance at City Hall, but a department spokesperson said no one was arrested and no one was injured.

It is still unclear what exactly sparked the fight between civilians in the crowd. The city council interrupted the session amid the turmoil.

“It’s just a total danger; we’ve been invaded by strangers, by people who have been paid, and who haven’t communicated with us in any way,” said Amber Lowe, a local community member. “It’s hurtful and makes me think about where I have to live.”

Council members clash

City council members were divided on the moratorium before delaying the final decision again.

Councilor Yolanda Cooper-Sutton was removed from the meeting after arguing with protesters.

“You could have come to me like I asked you…I’m not a coward; you talk, baby, I talk back,” Cooper-Sutton said.

Before leaving, Cooper-Sutton directed his comments to Councilor JB Smiley.

“That’s all he does; he stirs up trouble, he… that’s all you do, JB Smiley, confuse people over and over again! Every time there’s an election,” Cooper-Sutton said.

The songs fill the rooms

The crowd chanted “This is our city” and “Show me what democracy looks like” as the protest moved from the hall into the hallways of the building. Officers intervened to evacuate people from the room and lobby where the fight took place.

Protesters said they were not done with the issue.

Councilor Smiley said the day didn’t have to turn out the way it did.

“When the community comes forward, we just have to listen to them. I’m disappointed that we didn’t listen with ears, okay, I hear you, I understand. Let’s see how we can do what you want, but also what we think is in the best interest of the community,” Smiley said.

One of the women involved in the fight declined to comment when contacted about the incident.

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