Indianapolis Councilor’s Home Shot at Amid Data Center Dispute

Indianapolis City-County Council member Ron Gibson said his home was targeted in a shooting early Monday morning, with 13 bullets fired at his front door and a handwritten note left behind reading “NO DATA CENTERS.” Gibson, who was not physically harmed along with his 8-year-old son, described the incident as deeply unsettling and dangerous for his family and neighborhood.

“Just steps from where those bullets struck is our dining room table, where my son had been playing with his Legos the day before. That reality is deeply unsettling,” Gibson said in a statement. “This was not just an attack on my home, but endangered my child and disrupted the safety of our entire neighborhood.”

The Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department responded to the scene around 9 a.m. and found evidence of gunfire. Authorities believe the shooting was an isolated, targeted incident. The FBI and the Indiana Department of Homeland Security are assisting in the investigation, though no suspects have been identified.

Gibson, a Democrat serving his third term since 2023, has publicly supported a rezoning proposal for a data center development by Metrobloks LLC in the Martindale-Brightwood neighborhood, which has sparked significant local opposition. The Metropolitan Development Commission approved the rezoning last week, despite vocal protests from residents who filled the hearing room with signs opposing the project.

“There are real benefits tied to this development. Construction is expected to support roughly 300 jobs over a three-year period,” Gibson said at the commission meeting, where he was met with boos and a majority of attendees standing to show disapproval.

The neighborhood group Protect Martindale-Brightwood, which has led opposition to the data center, condemned the shooting and denied any involvement with the note left at Gibson’s home. “Violence has no place in our community or our advocacy,” the group said on social media. “Any signage or messaging at the scene is not affiliated with our organization and does not reflect who we are. Our work is rooted in peaceful, community-led advocacy grounded in respect and accountability.”

Indianapolis City-County Council President Maggie Lewis also called for civil discourse in a statement Monday. “Differences in opinion are a natural and necessary part of civic life,” Lewis said. “But violence, threats, and intimidation are not forms of dialogue—they are attacks on our shared commitment to democracy, civil discourse, and community safety.”

Data centers have become controversial nationwide due to their high consumption of electricity and water, which can strain local resources and increase utility costs for residents. Lawmakers in various states have introduced legislation to address these concerns.

Gibson expressed his resolve following the attack, stating the incident will not deter him. “I understand that public service can bring strong opinions and disagreement, but violence is never the answer, especially when it puts families at risk,” he said. “I pray that justice is served and those responsible are held accountable.”