RINCON, Ga. — Several elected and appointed officials in Effingham County say they have received threats since OpenAI announced plans for a data center in the county, prompting increased security at public meetings and raising concerns about the safety of public officials and their families.
The officials spoke with The Effingham Herald on the condition they not be identified because they fear retaliation.
The threats come as opposition to the proposed project continues to grow. Residents have questioned how the project moved forward, its potential impact on water, infrastructure and future growth. Officials said criticism of government decisions is expected, but some of the reaction has gone beyond criticism.
Several elected and appointed officials told The Herald they have personally received threats. Other officials have reported threatening comments directed at local officials.
Officials describe fear and frustration
"We're scared to go out. Our children and families are going through this," one elected official said. "They are endangered, and it's heartbreaking — absolutely heartbreaking."
The official said many believed the anger would ease after the initial announcement of the project.
"We thought it would die down by now, but it hasn't."
Another official said the situation has affected everyday activities.
"When I go to the grocery store, I'm looking over my shoulder," the official said. "I've never felt that way before."
Officials said personal information, including home addresses and phone numbers, has been shared online. One official said a social media post included a threat to burn down the homes of elected officials.
Several officials said they remain willing to answer questions and hear concerns from residents. But they said disagreements over government decisions should not turn into threats against people or their families.
"These are real, everyday people who love and are trying to do what's best for the community with the information in front of them," one elected official said. "None of us want to harm the community. We live here. We are all neighbors just trying to do what's right. We're trying to make the best decisions."
Officials blame misinformation for rising tensions
The official said misinformation circulating online has contributed to the anger surrounding the project.
"Much of this is driven by false information on social media," the official said. "A lot of the information on these Facebook boards is inaccurate conspiracy theories. Facts are thrown out the door so advocacy groups and special interest groups can advance their agenda or electability."
The official said they are "trying to stay under the radar" until tensions ease.
"There should be a uniform message from local law enforcement that this kind of stuff will not be tolerated," the official said.
Law enforcement says threats are taken seriously
Law enforcement officials said they are taking threats seriously.
Rincon Police Chief Jonathan Murrell said the department works with local, state and federal law enforcement agencies to protect the community.
"The Rincon Police Department maintains strong partnerships with our local, state and federal law enforcement agencies to ensure the safety of our community," Murrell said in a statement. "We take threats against anyone — whether an elected official or private citizen — extremely seriously. Any credible threat, whether made in the past or in the future, will be thoroughly investigated, and we will work diligently to identify those responsible and seek the maximum prosecution allowed under the law. While we respect every individual's right to express their opinions, threats and intimidation will not be tolerated."
Effingham County Sheriff's Office Public Information Officer Brian Bailey said the sheriff's office is aware of concerns raised by county officials.
"We are aware of the situation," Bailey said. "The county has been in contact with me and the office on certain comments under the county's social media pages."
Bailey said county officials forward comments to the sheriff's office when they believe they need to be reviewed.
"Whenever the county sees something they think needs our eyes on, they send it over."
Bailey said the comments reviewed so far have not resulted in criminal investigations, arrests or other action.
"As of now, nothing that has been sent to us by the county has warranted any further action," Bailey said. "There are no specific investigations, no arrests or anything that has happened as a result."
Security increased at public meetings
The concerns over threats have also led to increased security at recent public meetings.
At the July 28 Effingham County Board of Commissioners meeting, officials set aside an area outside the meeting for protesters and installed a walk-through metal detector at the entrance. The county borrowed the metal detector from the Effingham County Board of Education for the meeting.
Organizers had encouraged a large turnout, but fewer protesters attended than expected.
Security was also increased at the Rincon City Council meeting later that week, where state troopers, sheriff's deputies and Rincon police officers were present.
The debate over OpenAI's proposed data center is expected to continue, with residents raising questions about transparency, infrastructure, water use and the project's long-term impact.
But officials said disagreement and criticism are part of the process. Threats and intimidation are not.
"We live here," one elected official said. "We're your neighbors. We're just trying to do what's right for this community."
