Tucson law firm protest over Project Blue draws criticism | News

TUCSON, Ariz. (KVOA) – Several local leaders are speaking out after masked protesters disrupted the inside of a Tucson law firm Thursday because of its connection to Project Blue.

The law firm Lazarus & Silvyn represents the data center developer Beale Infrastructure. A chaotic scene at its office this week is garnering quite the response from elected officials who are pushing back against the protesters.

Pima County Supervisor Rex Scott called the actions “dangerous” and “irresponsible.” He’s not the only elected official standing behind the law firm.

Masked protesters came inside the law firm with signs, drums and a loud opposition to Project Blue.

“You’re selling out our future,” one protester can be heard yelling on video shared with News 4 Tucson.

A letter reportedly left by the group demanded the law firm cut ties to Beale Infrastructure, data center developments and apologize to the community “for your missteps.”

Lazarus and Silvyn, said in a statement that it supports peaceful protest but added that “Yesterday crossed the line,” alleging that masked individuals “physically threatened and harassed our employees.”

Pima County Supervisor Rex Scott condemned the actions in a statement released Friday.

“Their behavior was intimidating and threatening,” Scott wrote in part. “To characterize what they did as civil disobedience would besmirch the proud meaning of the term.”

Two other elected officials have also weighed in, defending the firm and stressing the need for civil disagreement. Tucson City Councilwoman Nikki Lee said in part, “Regardless of the issue at hand, we must reject tactics rooted in fear and intimidation. Tucson is better than this.”

Supervisor Matt Heinz called on members of the community to “remember who we are.” Heinz added, “We can fight passionately for what we believe in, and still treat one another with dignity and compassion.”

Developer Beale Infrastructure also put out a statement about the incident. The statement in part highlighted what it calls billions of dollars in capital investment expected from Project Blue.

Tucson Police said the incident is under investigation. So far no arrests have been made.