INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — An Indiana politician reported that he and his son were awakened in the early hours of Monday when someone fired 13 shots at their front door, leaving a note reading “No Data Centers” on their doorstep.
Indianapolis councilman Ron Gibson shared that he and his 8-year-old son were thankfully unharmed during the incident, which happened around 12:45 a.m. The gunfire hit near where his son had been playing just the day before.
“That reality is deeply unsettling,” said Gibson. “This is not just an attack on my home, but an endangerment to my child and the safety of our entire neighborhood.”
The Indianapolis Metropolitan Police confirmed they were dispatched to the location in the city’s East 41st Street area shortly after 9 a.m. Officers noted evidence of gunshots but reported no injuries. Authorities believe the incident was targeted, with the FBI assisting in the investigation.
Gibson stated, “I understand that public service can provoke strong opinions and disagreements, but violence is never a solution, particularly when it risks the safety of families.” He affirmed his commitment to continue serving his district, prioritizing the voices of all community members.
This violent episode comes in the wake of controversy surrounding a recently approved rezoning for a data center proposed by Metrobloks in Gibson’s district. Many local residents and leaders expressed concerns about the potential negative impacts of the project during a public hearing last week, with Gibson initially supporting the commission’s decision.
“The site has been underutilized for years, and today’s action marks an important step toward revitalizing it in a way that benefits both the neighborhood and our city,” Gibson commented, expressing intent to advocate for the development in future council discussions.
