Home of Indianapolis city councilor shot at over his support of datacenters | Indianapolis
An Indianapolis city councilman said his home was opened fire on Monday and a note was left behind saying he was targeted because of his support for data centers.
The case involving Ron Gibson, a Democrat on the Indianapolis city council, comes at a time of growing bipartisan concerns about political violence in the United States following cases such as the September killing of conservative activist Charlie Kirk.
Gibson recently expressed support for rezoning tied to a proposed 14-acre, $500 million data center project in the Martindale-Brightwood neighborhood of the municipal district he represents.
Speaking to local media outlets Indy Star, A spokesman for Gibson said he was awakened by multiple gunshots around 12:45 a.m. A total of 13 shots were reportedly fired into his home, where his eight-year-old son was at the time, Indy Star reported.
Photos provided by Gibson show a note reading “No data center” inside a ziplock bag placed under a doormat amid broken glass. A screen door was also damaged, with numerous bullet holes visible.
Accordingly Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department: “We believe this is an isolated, targeted incident.” The department added that no injuries were reported and the FBI was assisting with the investigation.
Less than a week ago, Gibson publicly supported the data center proposed by Metrobloks, a Los Angeles-based startup, saying it would bring long-term benefits to the community.
Statement made following the decision of the Indianapolis metropolitan development commission 6-2 approval of the project, Gibson said: “Importantly, the project is already a [$2.5m] In support of Martindale-Brightwood, early forecasts suggest at least [$20m] and potentially more can be directed to the neighborhood with additional investments. “MetroBloks have the potential to bring significant investments, create jobs and provide long-term tax revenue that supports infrastructure, housing and essential services.”
Gibson also said: “This site has been underutilized for years and [the development commission’s approval] “This is an important step towards converting it back into productive use, which will benefit both the surrounding neighborhoods and our city.”
Following Monday’s alleged attack, Indianapolis city council president Maggie A Lewis said: he told local outlet 13 News He said all of Gibson’s colleagues were “deeply disturbed and heartbroken” by the act of violence targeting him.
“It represents an alarming and unacceptable escalation, where gunshots were reported along with a threatening message left behind,” Lewis said.
He continued: “No elected official — or any resident of Indianapolis — should ever fear for their safety because of their public service or policy positions. Differences of opinion are a natural and necessary part of civic life. But violence, threats, and intimidation are not forms of dialogue; they are attacks on our shared commitment to democracy, civil discourse, and community safety.”
