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Claremore Today
By the People, for the People
Data Center Opponent Pleads Not Guilty to Trespassing Charge
Arrest of Darren Blanchard at Claremore meeting sparks backlash from community supporters
Published on Feb. 27, 2026
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Darren Blanchard, a vocal opponent of a proposed data center in Claremore, Oklahoma, pleaded not guilty to a trespassing charge after being arrested at a recent city meeting about the project. Blanchard's supporters claim his arrest was an unconstitutional infringement on his First Amendment rights, and the case has become a rallying cry for the broader community opposition to data centers.
Why it matters
The arrest of Blanchard highlights the growing tensions between communities and the data center industry, as residents seek to voice their concerns about the impacts of these large facilities. The case has drawn attention to the challenges activists face in trying to resist data center developments through public participation.
The details
Blanchard was arrested at a Claremore city meeting last week after refusing to leave when ordered to do so by the city manager. Police say Blanchard was "expelled" from the meeting for disruptive behavior, but his supporters dispute this account, claiming Blanchard was never asked to leave. Blanchard, who has no prior criminal record, has pleaded not guilty to the trespassing charge, with his lawyer arguing the arrest was unconstitutional.
- Blanchard was arrested at a Claremore city meeting about a proposed data center on February 20, 2026.
- Blanchard's first court hearing on the trespassing charge was held on February 27, 2026.
The players
Darren Blanchard
A Claremore resident and vocal opponent of a proposed data center in the city.
Colleen McCarty
Blanchard's attorney, who argues the arrest was a violation of his First Amendment rights.
Kelly Boegemann
A supporter of Blanchard who attended the court hearing and believes the arrest will backfire on the city.
Edna Young
A Claremore resident who waited outside the court hearing in support of Blanchard.
What they’re saying
“It absolutely felt like infringement on First Amendment rights.”
— Kelly Boegemann, Supporter
“I've watched the video, I never have seen them ask him to leave one time.”
— Kelly Boegemann, Supporter
“We feel that he was arrested unconstitutionally against his First Amendment right to petition his government and to free speech.”
— Colleen McCarty, Blanchard's attorney
“I've never been through anything like this, never had a speeding ticket, so it's all new to me.”
— Darren Blanchard
“I think it actually, what they did by arresting Darren is actually working against them, because it helps bring more awareness to not just what's going on in our community, but the whole data center community.”
— Kelly Boegemann, Supporter
What’s next
The judge will decide at a future hearing whether to dismiss the trespassing charge against Darren Blanchard.
The takeaway
The arrest of Darren Blanchard has become a rallying cry for the broader community opposition to data centers, highlighting the challenges activists face in trying to voice their concerns through public participation. The case has drawn attention to the tensions between communities and the data center industry, and will likely continue to be a closely watched issue.
