Home of US Politician Supporting Data Centres Shot—Then Gunman Left 'No Data Centers' Note at Door

The Indianapolis home of City-County Councillor Ron Gibson, a Democrat who supported a proposed data center in his district, was struck by 13 gunshots in the early hours of a Monday. Gibson and his eight-year-old son were inside the house, but neither was injured. A handwritten note reading 'No Data Centers' was reportedly left at his front door, and police believe it was an isolated, targeted attack, with the FBI joining the investigation. The shooting occurred just days after the Indianapolis Metropolitan Development Commission approved a rezoning petition for the Metrobloks data center project in Gibson's district. The development had faced opposition from residents and local leaders, who voiced concerns about community impact, strain on utilities, and the environmental footprint of large-scale AI infrastructure. Despite the violence, Councillor Gibson affirmed that the incident would not change his stance on the project, condemning the use of violence in public service. The article highlights how data centers have become a focal point for public anger in the AI era, drawing criticism related to environmental damage, rising utility costs, and distrust of Big Tech. Jordyn Abrams, a research fellow at George Washington University, noted that data centers are increasingly targeted by extremists with anti-tech, anti-government, and pro-environment narratives. Opponents nationwide have questioned electricity demand, water consumption, and confidential utility arrangements that could lead to ratepayers subsidizing private tech firms. In Indianapolis, the Metrobloks proposal serves as a local test case. Gibson previously argued that the site was underused and the project would revitalize the area. While no suspect has been identified, and no organized group has been publicly tied to the attack, the event underscores the escalating political tension surrounding data center developments.