Utah County deputies' removal of woman at data center meeting draws calls for review

Utah County sheriff's deputies took a woman to the ground and arrested her as protesters were removed from an Oct. 20 Utah County Planning Commission meeting on data centers, according to reports from KUTV, FOX 13 and The Salt Lake Tribune. ^[1]

The commission voted unanimously to allow data centers on land zoned for mining, grazing and industrial use, and attendees objected that public comment was not taken before the vote, KUTV reported. The Tribune reported that the commission's chair directed deputies to remove the woman, Aspen Azalea, 27. Video of the encounter has circulated widely. ^[1][2][3]

The Utah County Sheriff's Office said she refused to leave and struck a deputy. The Tribune reported the office's account as contact with the deputy's groin. Sheriff Mike Smith said those who refused to leave were escorted out, that a deputy was assaulted and that the matter will go through the legal process. KUTV reported the office said the situation is under review and the deputies remain on duty. ^[1] In the sheriff's written statement, he said deputies "are not there to take sides" on data centers or zoning and that the First Amendment does not give anyone an unlimited right to disrupt a public meeting. ^[4]

Azalea denies the account, saying she is a nonviolent person and that she suffered a concussion and bruises. She faces misdemeanor charges of disrupting a meeting and interfering with and assaulting a police officer, according to the Tribune. The charges are allegations that have not been decided in court. Two other protesters were cited. ^[1][2]

About 75 people rallied at the Utah Capitol in support of Azalea, chanting "Justice for Aspen" and calling for discipline for the deputy, The Salt Lake Tribune reported. ^[2] Others are calling for an outside investigation. The planning commission referred questions to the sheriff's office. ^[1]