Data Center Rumor Leads to Threats, Warning From Chief Gibson
Mount Shasta Police Chief Robert Gibson says misinformation about the old Crystal Geyser site has led to threats against council members, city staff and their families.
“This is unacceptable, and I want to be direct: it is not protected speech under the First Amendment. Threats of violence are criminal acts that carry real consequences, including fines, and jail time.”
MOUNT SHASTA, Calif. — A rumor about a possible data center in Mount Shasta has prompted a public warning from the city’s police chief after he said misinformation online led to threats against city leaders, staff and their families.
Mount Shasta Police Chief Robert Gibson issued a statement addressing concern circulating in the community about a rumored data center connected to the old Crystal Geyser site. Gibson said the information being shared on social media is inaccurate.
According to Gibson, the issue began when a company that builds data centers inquired about the old Crystal Geyser property. Gibson said the site is on county property, not city property, and that city officials have no interest in pursuing the idea.
“What was conveyed is that the site is on County property and that there is zero interest in pursuing the proposal,” Gibson said. “While stated this way, it was clear that the City Manager and Council have no interest in pursuing the proposal.”
But Gibson said the larger concern is not the rumored data center itself. It is what came after.
He said some people have responded to the rumor by making threats of violence against council members, city staff and their families through social media, text messages and phone calls.
“This is unacceptable, and I want to be direct: it is not protected speech under the First Amendment,” Gibson said. “Threats of violence are criminal acts that carry real consequences, including fines, and jail time.”
The statement comes at a time when many small communities are dealing with the speed of online rumors, especially around land use, development and public decision-making. Public debate can move quickly from concern to outrage, and city officials can become the focus of anger before facts are fully understood.
Gibson said residents have every right to disagree with city leaders, speak out and make their voices heard. He said that is part of how local government is supposed to work.
But he drew a clear line between civic disagreement and threats.
“You absolutely have the right to disagree, speak up, and make your voice heard,” Gibson said. “That is part of how our community and our government are supposed to work. But that right ends where threats of violence begin.”
Gibson said the Mount Shasta Police Department will investigate threats and pursue criminal cases when warranted.
“The Mt. Shasta Police Department will investigate, arrest, and prosecute anyone making such threats to the fullest extent of the law,” Gibson said. “That is not a warning — it is a commitment.”
The chief closed his message by reminding residents that council members, city staff and community members all live within the same small-town fabric.
“At the end of the day, we are all part of this community, residents, staff, and council members alike,” Gibson said. “I ask that we treat each other accordingly.”
No formal city data center project was announced in Gibson’s statement. Instead, his message centered on correcting misinformation and warning that threats tied to public debate can bring real consequences.
Cover image: Mount Shasta Police Chief Robert Gibson said misinformation about a rumored data center has led to threats against city leaders, staff and their families, warning that threats of violence are criminal acts rather than protected speech. Photo courtesy Mount Shasta Police Department.
