Memphis council meeting erupts into protest and fistfight after data center vote delayed

During a Tuesday night session, Memphis City Council members voted 7-5 to defer a proposed 12-month moratorium on two SpaceXAI facilities called Colossus and Colossus 2, which sit on the city’s southern border. The postponement ignited a protest of roughly 100 people, who used a bullhorn to chant slogans and accused councilors of being "sellouts." The crowd surged toward the dais, prompting Council Chairwoman Jana Swearengen Washington to call a recess and request police intervention.

Officers removed the demonstrators, though two women engaged in a brief fight near the exits and no arrests were made. Council members exchanged accusations, with Councilwoman Yolanda Cooper-Sutton rebuking Councilman JB Smiley, who had opposed the delay, while Councilman Jeff Warren warned the moratorium could drive companies to neighboring counties.