Utah state senator smacks reporter's phone out of his hand amid data center controversy |
Utah state senator smacks reporter’s phone out of his hand amid data center controversy
LAYTON, Uta (KTVX) — While reporting on the aftermath of a contentious data center project approval in Box Elder County, a reporter for Nexstar’s KTVX was approached by a sitting Utah state senator, turning a routine newsgathering effort into a physical confrontation.
On Monday afternoon, the Box Elder County Commission approved multiple resolutions to enter into an agreement with the Military Installation Development Authority (MIDA) to create a large-scale data center in a rural area. The founder of J&J Nursery and Garden Center in Layton, Senator Jerry Stevenson (R-Layton), is on the board for MIDA.
Since Monday, the nursery has been receiving calls for boycott.
KTVX became aware of a social media post promoting a boycott of Stevenson’s business and a longtime employee told the station’s reporter and anchor, Bayan Wang, that some employees were being harassed, referencing a woman who walked into the business, screaming at employees, nearly prompting them to call police.
In response to this backlash, J&J Nursery and Garden Center, operating over the past five decades in Northern Utah, shared its own statement on social media:
“We understand that recent public decisions have prompted strong feelings and concerns. While our owner is connected to a public role, we kindly ask that all interactions with our team remain respectful and considerate. Our employees are dedicated individuals who are here to serve you, and they deserve to be treated with courtesy at all times. We appreciate your understanding and continued support.”
“We understand that recent public decisions have prompted strong feelings and concerns. While our owner is connected to a public role, we kindly ask that all interactions with........