Indianapolis Councilman's Home Targeted in Apparent Data Center Protest

Shots fired at Gibson's house, 'No Data Centers' note left on doorstep

Apr. 7, 2026 at 2:49am

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An extreme close-up photograph of a single bullet casing lying on the ground, the harsh flash creating a stark, gritty, investigative aesthetic that conceptually represents the violence and disruption of the targeted attack on the councilman's home.The targeted attack on an Indianapolis councilman's home exposes the growing tensions over data center development in local communities.Indianapolis Today

Indianapolis City-County Council member Ron Gibson said more than a dozen bullets were fired at his house early Monday morning, and a handwritten note reading 'No Data Centers' was left on his doorstep. Gibson and his 8-year-old son were not physically harmed, but the councilman said the incident was 'deeply unsettling' and endangered his family.

Why it matters

The attack on Gibson's home comes after the city council voted last week to approve rezoning for a data center project in the councilman's district, which he had publicly backed. The rezoning vote was met with months of protests and rallies from residents opposing the data center construction.

The details

According to Gibson's statement, the gunfire occurred just steps from where his son had been playing the day before. The FBI and Indiana Department of Homeland Security are investigating the incident, which Gibson said was 'not just an attack on my home, but endangered my child and disrupted the safety of our entire neighborhood.'

  • The incident occurred on Monday morning, April 7, 2026.
  • The Indianapolis City-County Council voted to approve rezoning for the data center project in Gibson's district last week.

The players

Ron Gibson

A Democratic member of the Indianapolis City-County Council who has served in his position since 2023 and publicly backed the data center project in his district.

Metrobloks

The developer behind the data center project that was approved for rezoning in Gibson's district.

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What they’re saying

“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. This was not just an attack on my home, but endangered my child and disrupted the safety of our entire neighborhood.”

— Ron Gibson, Indianapolis City-County Council member

“I understand that public service can bring strong opinions and disagreement, but violence is never the answer, especially when it puts families at risk.”

— Ron Gibson, Indianapolis City-County Council member

What’s next

The FBI and Indiana Department of Homeland Security are investigating the incident, and Gibson said he prays 'that justice is served and those responsible are held accountable.'

The takeaway

This attack on an elected official's home highlights the growing tensions and opposition to data center projects in communities across the country, with some residents resorting to extreme measures to voice their concerns. It underscores the need for open dialogue, transparency, and a focus on community impact as cities navigate the rise of data-driven infrastructure.