Memphis City Council meeting erupts in brawl over data center vote

A Memphis City Council meeting descended into chaos and physical altercations on Tuesday after officials voted 7-5 to postpone a decision regarding a proposed 12-month moratorium on new data centers.

The delay was intended to allow the city to further study the impact of such facilities on power, water, and engineering infrastructure, as well as potential health implications. The debate also centered on the tension between implementing necessary regulatory guardrails and the risk of losing significant tax revenue.

Protesters, numbering over 100, crowded the chambers and engaged in shouting matches with officials, leading to police intervention and reports of fistfights. The controversy specifically impacts new proposals, such as a $575 million project by 5C MEM01, while existing facilities like SpaceXAI may remain unaffected.

Mayor Paul Young has since reacted to the unrest. The council is scheduled to revisit the ordinance and potential amendments on October 20.