City-county councilor's home shot, note left behind: what we know

Indianapolis City-County Councilor Ron Gibson's home was targeted in a shooting on April 6, days after he publicly supported the construction of a $500 million Metrobloks data center in Martindale Brightwood. Gibson and his eight-year-old son were asleep when over a dozen bullets were fired into their front door. A note reading "NO DATA CENTERS" was found tucked under his doormat. The shooting, which occurred around 12:45 a.m., was reported to police hours later. The Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department and the FBI are investigating, with assistance from Homeland Security. No arrests or charges have been made at the time of publication. The proposed data center, planned for a 14-acre vacant lot, has faced significant community opposition. Residents of the predominantly Black Martindale Brightwood neighborhood expressed concerns about the environmental impact, including noise pollution and heavy energy demand, in an area already burdened by industrial contamination. They also raised doubts about the project's economic benefits and Metrobloks, a 2024 startup, having no operational data centers. Despite overwhelming public testimony against it, the Metropolitan Development Commission approved the rezoning for the data center in a 6-2 vote on April 1. Councilor Gibson, who represents the district, spoke in favor of the rezoning, stating it would move the property toward productive use with stronger standards and community benefits. He is not expected to call for a vote to overturn the decision.