Oklahoma farmer arrested and jailed for trespassing during AI data center town hall — removed by officers after going a few seconds over allotted speaking time, trying to hand paperwork to counselors

An Oklahoma farmer was arrested at a Claremore City Council meeting after speaking beyond his allotted time about Project Mustang, a proposed AI data center.

Officials said Darren Blanchard ignored repeated instructions to stop and was arrested for trespassing when he tried to hand paperwork to council members.

The incident comes amid growing local backlash over concerns about power, water, noise, and the project’s transparency.

The arrest underscores rising tension between residents and officials over the data center proposal.