Indianapolis City-County Councilor Ron Gibson’s home was targeted in a shooting on Monday, April 6, 2026, believed to be connected to his recent vote regarding a proposed data center in the Martindale-Brightwood area. Both Councilor Gibson and his 8-year-old son were unharmed during the incident.

Shooting and Investigation

Multiple shots were fired at the residence. Investigators discovered a note left at the doorstep stating, “No Data Centers,” suggesting a motive linked to the controversial data center project. The Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department (IMPD) is leading the investigation, with assistance from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).

Councilor Gibson's Response

Councilor Gibson expressed shock and dismay, emphasizing the impact on his family and community. He stated that while policy disagreements are common, violence is never an acceptable response. He reaffirmed his commitment to public service and the importance of civil discourse.

Data Center Approval and Company Statement

The shooting occurred shortly after the Indianapolis Metropolitan Development Commission approved the construction of the Metrobloks data center on April 1st. Metrobloks released a statement expressing sadness that no one was harmed and unequivocally condemning violence and intimidation.

Growing Concerns Over Data Centers

The incident highlights growing concerns about the impact of data centers on local communities. The United States currently has over 3,000 data centers, with an additional 1,200 under construction, driven by increasing demand for data storage.

Recent analysis from Goldman Sachs economists indicates that data centers significantly impact electricity demand, with prices jumping 6.9% nationwide in 2025. They project data centers will account for approximately 40% of total power demand growth over the next five years.

This incident underscores the need for comprehensive examination of the social, economic, and environmental impacts of data center development and the importance of robust public discourse.