Shots fired at Indianapolis councilman's home after data center approval | NewsNation Live

Indianapolis Councilman Ron Gibson's home was targeted with 13 to 50 gunshots, and a note reading "NO DATA CENTERS" was left at his front door. The incident occurred overnight, and Gibson discovered the damage the following morning, delaying calling police to protect his son from trauma. He believes the attack is directly related to his vote to approve a half-billion-dollar data center project in his district. Councilman Gibson condemned the violence, stating that while disagreement is acceptable, violence is not. He defended his vote, highlighting that the data center project is a "closed system" that would not continuously draw water, and the developer has committed in writing to cover 100% of utility costs, providing financial incentives and jobs. He also mentioned that the developers agreed to additional community contributions for affordable housing and infrastructure improvements beyond tax abatements. The incident has shaken fellow council members and city leaders, with elevated security measures implemented. The discussion also touched on broader concerns about data center expansion, with Garrett Hawkins, president of the Missouri Farm Bureau, advocating for tech companies to respect rural communities' concerns, protect resources like energy and water, and not pass higher energy costs to residents. Gibson, however, reiterated the specific benefits and commitments of the approved project in his district, which he believes will help a blighted area.