Chaos Erupts at Memphis City Hall Over Data Center Vote
A planned vote on a moratorium for new data center development was postponed amid a chaotic scene at Memphis City Hall, with residents protesting and council members escorted from the building.
Chaos erupted at Memphis City Hall on Tuesday when a planned vote on a moratorium for new data center development was abruptly postponed, leading to council members being escorted out of the building. Residents expressed outrage, chanting slogans such as "bought and sold" and "sellouts" at council members.
The Memphis City Council was set to hold the third and final vote on an ordinance that would pause new data center development for up to a year, or until a framework for regulating such projects is established. The meeting was suspended as police presence increased significantly.
Footage from the scene captured a furious crowd shouting at council members, with some residents using bullhorns. The remaining portion of the meeting was called off, and the council scheduled a work session for Thursday, October 8, to address the details of the proposed moratorium.
Elon Musk's involvement with data centers in Memphis has grown significantly in recent years. Construction on the Colossus 1 data center began north of Southaven in 2024. By January 2026, two more data centers were announced, and in July, Musk revealed plans for another facility named Minihard.
Outside the building, protestors continued their demonstrations, marching arm in arm.