An Instagram post from BreakThrough News (@BTNewsroom) shows police forcibly removing a young woman during a crowded Utah County Planning Commission meeting over data centers, reportedly leaving her with a concussion and sending her to the ER overnight.
Here's what to know
According to the post, the incident happened after the Utah County Planning Commission unanimously passed what it described as a "widely unpopular" data center ordinance without taking public comment.
The caption says police "quickly moved on concerned residents" before swarming one young woman. It adds that officers pulled her from the room and threw her to the ground.
The woman was left with "a concussion and a bruised and swollen jaw," and "spent the night in the ER after being released from jail."
"So opposing data center is a crime now?" one commenter wrote.
More background
Another user identified the woman in the video as Aspen, whom the commenter described as one of Utah's most outspoken anti-data-center and pro-environment advocates.
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The commenter also explained that she works with Protect Utah (@protect.utah), an organization dedicated to protecting Utah's natural resources. AI data centers have potential to optimize clean-energy systems and provide other meaningful benefits, but they are also connected to substantial air pollution when powered by fossil fuels. Communities have also raised concerns about disruptive around-the-clock noise.
Another commenter alleged the takedown looked intentional, writing, "He did NOT trip. He THREW himself onto her, PURPOSELY."
What's being done?
The post's caption says "an emergency rally was called" after what it described as police brutality at the meeting, adding that "community members are demanding the termination, arrest, and prosecution of the offending officer – identified as Phil Crawford."
Referring to Protect Utah, the commenter who identified Aspen urged, "Please bring the energy you are for this reel to their fight."
Where can I learn more?
These stories cover similar fights over data centers, public pushback, and official responses.
• At a Michigan town meeting, a woman was forcibly removed while opposing a proposed data center.
• In Utah, a 40,000-acre data center triggered uproar and a gubernatorial backpedal.
• Utah lawmakers opened a probe into a massive data center's wildlife and water impacts.
• From Utah to Georgia, communities watched data center backlash grow into national politics.
• In Festus, Missouri, the city approved a $6B data center despite overwhelming opposition.
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