Memphis mayor reacts after AI centers debate sparks a huge brawl and protests

On Tuesday night, the Memphis City Council meeting erupted into chaos as officials postponed a vote on a moratorium for new Elon Musk data center developments. The postponement triggered an angry crowd who shouted at council members and used bullhorns to chant slogans like "bought and sold" and "no justice, no peace." During the chaotic scene, Councilwoman Yolanda Cooper-Sutton was removed from the meeting after a heated exchange with protesters and fellow member JB Smiley. Police were called in as their presence tripled, but not before a fight broke out in the lobby between two women, though no one was detained or injured. The council voted 7 to 5 to delay the vote until October 20, prompting protests both inside and outside City Hall, with residents demanding action on infrastructure impacts from data centers.