Local officials face death threats and gunfire over AI data center projects — More than 500 towns restrict builds as councils shutter public comment

In recent weeks, local officials across the United States have faced death threats and gunfire over their decisions regarding AI data center projects. Marshall, Michigan, became the first city to pass a one-year moratorium on new builds after receiving a credible death threat. Ten days later, Salix, Iowa, postponed its own moratorium vote after Facebook posts targeted its government.

Box Elder County, Utah, saw a commissioner who approved a project receive threats, with police stationed outside his home. Nationwide, city leaders are now receiving death threats, irrespective of their vote.

Marshall Mayor Scott Wolfersberger confirmed the threat to local news station WWMT, adding that the investigation is ongoing. Councilor James Hackworth revealed that members had received a legitimate death threat, stating that disagreement, protest, and voting for a new council are part of democracy. Salix Mayor Kevin Nelson reported that the Woodbury County Sheriff's Office is investigating posts calling for death and terroristic acts against the entire city government. The threats began in May, following the town's annexation of farmland for a potential Google site.

In contrast, Salix voted 3-2 against the moratorium, with Nelson calling for a cool-down period to research the situation. Box Elder County, Utah, saw Commissioner Lee Perry and fellow Commissioners Boyd Bingham and Tyler Vincent receive threats after approving the Stratos project area. In Indianapolis, a councilman received 13 rounds fired into his home, and in Michigan, at least 19 municipalities imposed moratoriums due to threats.

Emporia, Kansas, moved its meetings online and dropped public comment after officials were threatened. Recent data shows a surge in threats targeting infrastructure rather than individuals, with most incidents amplified through memes, emojis, and misspellings on X and Reddit.