Oklahoma man arrested during town meeting to discuss new data center

More than 100 people gathered in a ballroom at Rogers State University in Claremore to hear public comment on a proposed data-center campus from Beale Infrastructure in the Claremore Industrial Park, which would include data centers, supporting infrastructure, and office space.

During the public comment period, Daniel Blanchard spoke about what he considered compliance issues and said, "The Claremore Industrial Economic Development Authority has a fiduciary responsibility to the public, not to build infrastructure. And this act of overreach is putting the health and safety of members of this community at risk." He exceeded the three-minute limit by about 30 seconds; applause broke out during his speech, and about a minute later officers handcuffed and escorted him from the room amid shouts of disbelief.

The Claremore Police Department said officers are not responsible for enforcing city council rules and only become involved when an official orders removal.

United States, Claremore, Oklahoma

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