hobart man arrested for speaking out against the hobart data center at the planning commission meeting

Local Resident Arrested For Speaking Out Against the Hobart Data Center Public Meeting

      Hobart, Indiana man was arrested at the Hobart Data Center Public meeting for not stating his name – even though he wrote down his name on the sign up sheet. Even though, they changed the location at the last minute, and even though there were not public notice signs posted at the location, the Hobart Planning Commission meeting was packed with standing room only.
       Now Pablo Payan has to hire a legal attorney. Not sure if this is unlawful intimidation, but it sure sounds like it. There were nine Hobart Police in full uniform attending the meeting, five inside and four outside.
     It seems there was unfair allotment of speaking time as well, when NIPSO and NIRPSC were allowed more than two minutes to talk, but when opposing residents were talking they were stopped and escorted out of the room. Can you believe this is happening in our own Region, let alone in America – freedom of speech, freedom of expression, freedom to oppose an oppressive government. 
     Hobart Residents deserve proper notice, transparency, and a fair opportunity to participate in a hearing involving one of the largest industrial projects ever proposed in the country.
      His name is Pablo Payan and on 5/8/2026, he attended the Hobart planning commission meeting to speak during the public comment period about the proposed data center site. Exercising his First Amendment rights, he chose not to give my name when addressing the commission, but had signed his name on the sign up sheet.
     Despite this, the commission and the city lawyer instructed the police to remove him from the meeting. He repeatedly asked why he was being removed and whether he was being detained, but instead of receiving an answer, he was arrested and charged with criminal trespassing.
     This experience has been deeply upsetting to everyone in attendance, as his civil rights were violated by the police, the planning commission, and the city lawyer. Now, he is facing unexpected legal challenges and expenses simply for standing up for his rights and speaking out on an important community issue.
     The legal process ahead for Pablo is daunting, and Pablo is seeking help to cover the costs of legal representation and court fees so he can defend himself.
     Payan stated on facebook that he wants to thank everyone who has reached out, called, or spoken with him during this difficult time. His story should bring awareness to residents that we should not be bullied by politicians or corporate interests.

     Any help you can provide will make a real difference in Pablo’s fight for justice and free speech with his “Go Fund Me” page: https://gofund.me/e5d196e40

More Articles . . 

Valparaiso Indiana Council considers 14 Million For Water Infrastructure e1780499582133

Valparaiso Council Considers 14 Million For Water Infrastructure

    Mayโ€™s second Valparaiso City Council meeting usually held on the fourth Monday of the month was held on Tuesday May 26th , 2026 this month because of the observance of Memorial Day. There was only one ordinance on the agenda for the evening and the meeting went for just about an hour. Citizenโ€ฆ

Continue Reading โ†’

 

what to do after a hit and run accident

What to Do After a Hit and Run Accident

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has reported that one in every four pedestrian fatalities in the United States is caused by hit-and-run events. Every year, over 2,000 deaths involved pedestrians, cyclists, or other drivers. A hit-and-run accident occurs when a driver tries to leave the scene of an accident without giving the injuredโ€ฆ

Continue Reading โ†’

 

Settlement From a Car Accident What to

Settlement From a Car Accident: What to Expect

NHTSA estimated that the death toll from traffic collisions reached 27,365 during the first nine months of 2025. This figure marks a decline compared to the 29,245 that were previously estimated during the same months of the previous year. Paying for damages after a car accident is a very challenging scenario. One has to meticulouslyโ€ฆ

Continue Reading โ†’

what to expect from the average wrongful death settlement

 

Average Wrongful Death Settlement: What to Expect

The National Practitioner Data Bank recorded an average of roughly 10,000 medical malpractice payments every year between 2023 and 2024. Medical malpractice remains one of the most common grounds for wrongful death cases. One has to understand the possible settlement amount after a wrongful death has taken place. Cases differ and so do compensation amounts.โ€ฆ

Continue Reading โ†’

How Severe Are DUI Penalties

How Severe Are DUI Penalties? 

SafeHome.org reported that 804,926 Americans in 2024 were arrested for suspected DUIs. These cases account for 11% of the total arrests in the USA. A DUI arrest carries several consequences. [โ€ฆ]

Read more

 

car crash insurance what to do to protect yourself save
Legal Tips To Protect Yourself After A Car Crash

A car crash can be a very traumatic event. Not only are you dealing with the physical injuries, but also the emotional and psychological fallout. Itโ€™s important to take care of yourself both physically and mentally after a car crash. Here are some pointers to help you with that.

Continue Reading . . .

Things To Budget for When Purchasing a Car

Why Do Many Americans Love Driving?

America is a truly vast country that encompasses fifty states and is the home to over 4% of the total world population. It is a country of enormous urban sprawls, such as New York and Los Angeles, that have millions of residents and a fast-paced 24/7 lifestyle. However, it is also a country that benefits from areas of spectacular natural beauty and truly awe-inspiring landscapes. America is a land that is filled with citizens
Continue reading . . .

Sue

Sue Baxter

Susie Young Baxter, CEO, has published PanoramaNOW Magazine for 31 years. Her hobbies are Camping, Boating, Hiking, Nature, Gardening and Outdoor Activities. She is an Artist, Graphic Designer, an Avid Seamstress, Dabbles in Homemade Crafts and Landscaping. Since her Father was a Health Teacher, she also likes homeopathic Health Solutions. Since blogging started over 10 years ago, PanoramaNow has been added to Newsbreak – a national news affiliate.

Facebook Twitter LinkedIn 

About The Author

Sue Baxter

Susie Young Baxter, CEO, has published PanoramaNOW Magazine for 31 years. Her hobbies are Camping, Boating, Hiking, Nature, Gardening and Outdoor Activities. She is an Artist, Graphic Designer, an Avid Seamstress, Dabbles in Homemade Crafts and Landscaping. Since her Father was a Health Teacher, she also likes homeopathic Health Solutions. Since blogging started over 10 years ago, PanoramaNow has been added to Newsbreak - a national news affiliate.