Police arrested a 37-year-old man in Kansas after he allegedly clapped during a city commission meeting to express opposition to a proposed Flint Hills Digital Campus data center. Officials warned attendees they would be removed for disruptive behavior, including clapping, snapping, or rude comments.
Lux Claridge, an Emporia High School physics teacher, was arrested for allegedly clapping in support of speakers opposing the data center. According to KWCH reports, Claridge and several others clapped during the meeting. After commissioners issued a final warning, Claridge continued clapping, leading to his arrest.
Claridge’s wife, Jessica Danford, was present at the meeting when her husband was removed. “Seeing them carried out like that was a lot to handle,” Danford said. Friend Caleb Rankin described the arrest as shocking: “Out of all the people that I knew, them getting arrested is — I thought someone used a different name or something.”
Claridge’s brother, David, stated he believes the arrest will not hold up legally and is exploring options to recall city officials. “This isn’t going to hold up in court. Lux is going to fight them on that. I’m looking at avenues to get these people recalled. This is insane to me,” David Claridge said.
One community member expressed concern over the arrest, stating: “We are citizens of this community; we have a right to do our constitutionally protected activities, which is exactly what they’re violating at this time as well.” The individual added that residents now feel uneasy due to government actions.
Claridge was booked into Lyon County Jail on charges of interference with law enforcement and disorderly conduct. He is due in court in September, where he intends to plead not guilty. The Emporia Police Department stated in a press release: “The Emporia Police Department remains committed to ensuring public meetings are conducted safely and in an orderly manner, while also respecting the rights of all citizens to participate in the civic process.”
During the meeting, several attendees received verbal warnings for disruptive conduct interrupting proceedings. Claridge was directed to leave but did not comply with law enforcement efforts to remove him, requiring officers to physically carry him from the meeting.
