An Indianapolis councilman’s home allegedly took 13 rounds of gunfire early Monday while he and his 8-year-old son slept inside, days after he backed a contentious data center project that had drawn months of community protests.
Ron Gibson, a Democrat representing District 8 on the Indianapolis City-County Council since 2023, told FOX59 the alleged shooting happened around 12:45 a.m. A handwritten note reading “no data centers” was left in a sealed plastic bag under his doormat, according to a photo obtained by the outlet.
The alleged attack followed the Metropolitan Development Commission’s vote on April 1 to approve rezoning for a half-billion-dollar data center proposed by Los Angeles-based Metrobloks at Sherman Drive in the Martindale-Brightwood neighborhood, WRTV reported. The rezoning measure passed 6-2, WTHR reported. (RELATED: Trailer Park Residents Told They Have 3 Months To Make Way For Massive Data Center)
Gibson had publicly championed the project, writing on Facebook that it included a “$2.5 million commitment to support Martindale-Brightwood” with potentially “$20 million and potentially more” flowing into the area through additional investment, according to WRTV.
Days after voting in favor of a new data center in Indianapolis, Councilman Ron Gibson says his home was struck by 13 gunshots while he and his family were asleep. He says a handwritten note reading “No data centers” was found under the doormat. pic.twitter.com/RdEPP80oaH
— CBS Evening News with Tony Dokoupil (@CBSEveningNews) April 6, 2026
“Just steps from where those bullets struck is our dining room table, where my son had been playing with his Legos the day before,” Gibson said in a statement, Fox59 reported. “That reality is deeply unsettling.”
Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department’s (IMPD) North District Violent Crimes Task Force is leading the investigation with Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) assistance, WRTV reported. An FBI spokesperson confirmed to ABC News that local police remain the primary agency on the case. Police said no injuries were reported and appear to have not released information on any suspects as of publication.
Mayor Joe Hogsett condemned the alleged attack, saying “no family in Indianapolis should have to experience this type of violence in a place where they should feel safe and secure,” according to FOX59. The Republican Caucus on the council said they were “outraged” by the alleged shooting. Leaders requested additional security for Monday night’s council meeting, WRTV reported, citing a spokesperson.
Protect Martindale-Brightwood, a neighborhood coalition opposing the data center, denied any connection to the alleged shooting and condemned the violence, telling FOX59/CBS4 their advocacy is “rooted in peaceful, community-led advocacy grounded in respect and accountability.”
Communities across the country have protested data center construction over rising electricity costs and environmental concerns. More than 4,000 data centers currently operate in the U.S., according to industry tracker Data Center Map.
Editor’s Note: This article was updated with additional information.