Freedom of speech appeared far-fetched in Oklahoma after a resident was reportedly arrested while voicing opposition to a proposed AI data center project. A video posted on X captured how the arrest allegedly unfolded. In the footage, several people could be seen inside what appeared to be a city council meeting in Claremore. Some were seated behind a podium at the front of the room, while others sat facing them.
The man being arrested stood in front of the officials at the podium as two police officers placed him in handcuffs. Another man stood close by as officers escorted him out of the room. Audible gasps and shocked reactions could be heard from community members as he was led away.
The man was identified as Darren Blanchard, as reported by News Channel. He was said to have opposed a proposed data center project, which was reportedly the reason for the arrest. Prior to this incident, Blanchard had notably immersed himself in the issue of data centers, speaking to various communities, including Coweta, about his concerns.
“Why are we taking these data centers and putting them in the middle of people’s homes?” he said at a Coweta city council meeting. During the meeting where he was arrested, Blanchard reportedly stated, “I think there’s a lot of concern here whether our public officials are doing things in accordance with law,” after which officials arrested him. He did not physically resist and followed officers as they escorted him out.
The comment section quickly filled with reactions, with many expressing concern over what they viewed as a violation of rights. “Seems Oklahoma has been doing a lot of that. Oklahoma seems to like violating people’s rights,” one user wrote. Another added, “That’s going to be a nice lawsuit and subsequent settlement.”
A third commenter expressed concern over transparency, writing, “Time to FOIA every communication between the city council and these Al companies. If they’re arresting citizens for speaking at a public meeting, something is very wrong. Oklahoma deserves transparency, not suppression.”
“I can’t wait to see their ethics reports at the state level after the votes today. For the local level, arresting people for speaking their opinion is insane. This needs to stop!” a fourth commenter added. A fifth user criticized the crowd’s response, writing, “You have more people there than officers. People should all stand up and say we are the community, not the officers and not this board. We are not going to let this man be arrested.”
One commenter reflected on public inaction, stating, “This is how they will keep ramming whatever down Americans’ throats, because all we do nowadays is sit, record on our little cellphones, and shout. In the old days, people would get up, confront the bullies who wouldn’t let that man speak, and some chairs would have been flying!”
“I feel like I’m witnessing footage that would show in an ‘in the past’ montage for a sci-fi dystopian film,” someone else expressed, while another user added, “Looks like another First Amendment suit…These cities and schools love paying out millions.”
A netizen criticized law enforcement’s role, writing, “Police protect profit, not people. In this example, police are protecting poisonous AI data centers and their fascist tech bro owners.” One commenter summarized their frustration, stating, “Oklahoma residents are standing against Data Centers. Their own government is knowingly defying the people.”
