Indianapolis city councilor’s home shot up days after backing controversial data center

An Indianapolis city councilor’s home was shot over a dozen times in the early hours of Monday, with a sign reading "no data centers" being left behind at the scene, just days after the councilor voted in favor of constructing a data center in the city’s Martindale-Brightwood neighborhood. 

Indianapolis Metropolitan Police said that officers were called to the E. 41st Street home of Indianapolis City-County Councilor Ron Gibson at 9 am on Monday for reports of shots fired. 

Gibson told Fox 59 that the shooting had occurred at roughly 12:45 am, and that while he had been awoken by gunfire, he didn’t realize there were bullet holes in his doorway until the following morning, hence the reporting delay. No injuries were reported, and police described it as an "isolated, targeted incident."

Gibson said in a statement, "My 8-year-old son and I were not physically harmed, but we were awakened by the sound of gunfire. Like any parent, I immediately ran to him and reassured him that he was safe," per CBS News. "This was not just an attack on my home, but endangered my child and disrupted the safety of our entire neighborhood. I understand that public service can bring strong opinions and disagreement, but violence is never the answer, especially when it puts families at risk." 

The front door of his home was seen with bullet holes in it, and the outer glass door had been shattered. Gibson said that a note reading "no data centers" was left at his door. 

The incident comes days after Gibson voted in favor of constructing a data center in the city’s Martindale-Brightwood neighborhood, which has been met with controversy. At public meetings, residents urged the city to reject the bid. 

In a letter explaining his vote, Gibson said that the MetroBloks project "includes a $2.5 million commitment" to support the neighborhood, with estimates showing that at least $20 million would be directed into the neighborhood through additional investments. He said the project would bring jobs and tax revenue to support infrastructure, housing, and essential services.

Protect Martindale-Brightwood, a coalition that opposes the data center, said in a statement, "Protect Martindale-Brightwood strongly condemns the recent act of violence at the home of Councilman Ron Gibson. Violence has no place in our community or our advocacy. We want to be clear: 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. Our opposition to the proposed MetroBloks data center is based on legitimate concerns, including community voice, environmental impact, and neighborhood stability. We remain committed to addressing these issues through constructive dialogue, civic engagement, and lawful action."