Oliver County commission declares internal emergency after threats tied to data-center debate, tightens meeting access

Oliver County commissioners on Monday adopted an internal emergency declaration to address what the county’s state attorney described as credible threats of violence tied to public debate over a proposed data center, authorizing increased security measures and temporary changes to meeting access.

The Oliver County State's Attorney, speaking during the commission meeting, said he had issued criminal (terrorizing) charges against individuals for making credible threats and recommended the declaration as a precaution to protect officials and limit county liability. "It stops now," he said, arguing the county must act to keep elected officials, staff and the public safe.

Alice, the county’s emergency manager, told commissioners she had drafted the internal emergency declaration and consulted with the North Dakota Department of Emergency Services, which indicated the measure was acceptable. She said the declaration would allow the county to open emergency funds to pay for law-enforcement overtime, and it authorizes measures including increased law-enforcement presence at public meetings, controlled access to county buildings, security screening at hearings, and adjustments to meeting formats such as virtual participation.

Under the procedures discussed and later approved by the commission, meetings will be held in the courthouse (the courtroom for decision-makers and an adjoining meeting room for public speakers) while the declaration is in effect. Commissioners raised capacity limits — the main room was discussed as having roughly 32-person capacity and the adjoining room about 18 — and agreed staff and law enforcement would coordinate to allow each commenter a chance to speak and then escort them out so the next speaker could enter. Officials emphasized the intent to preserve statutory public-comment rights while minimizing the risk of intimidation or violence.

The declaration took effect immediately upon the vote. In a roll-call on the motion to adopt the declaration, Commissioner Hoosfone and Commissioner Dahl each voted "Aye," and the chair recorded an "Aye;" the motion carried. The declaration remains in effect until the commission, in consultation with law enforcement and emergency management officials, determines the credible-threat level has diminished and normal operations may resume.

The county did not provide a precise timetable for lifting the declaration. Officials said the measure is intended as a security-focused, temporary step, not as a curb on lawful speech, and that virtual participation and public notices (courthouse, civic center, online) would be used to help ensure broad public access during the emergency period.