City-County Councilor Ron Gibson stands by data center after shooting
Add Axios as your preferred source to
see more of our stories on Google.

Councilor Ron Gibson, surrounded by fellow City-County Council members, talks to reporters.
City-County Council Ron Gibson said he stands by his support for a data center in the historic Martindale-Brightwood neighborhood, despite what he calls a "targeted attack" on his home Monday morning.
Why it matters: Opposition to data center projects throughout Marion County has been widespread and staunch, but this is the first time it has turned violent.
Driving the news: Around 9am, the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department responded to a report of gunfire at Gibson's home, finding the door riddled with bullet holes.
- Gibson said someone fired 13 rounds at his door just before 1am and left a note on the doorstep reading: "No Data Centers."
- Gibson, a single dad, told reporters Monday night that he and his 8-year-old son woke to the sound of breaking glass but didn't realize his storm door was broken by gunfire until the morning.
What he's saying: "First, I just want to thank Jesus that I'm still here," Gibson said. "I thank God he kept me and my son safe."
- "It's okay to have disagreements, it's okay to express yourself, it's okay to show your ideas," he added, "but it's never okay to threaten somebody with violence."
The big picture: Gibson has been out front in supporting a proposed data center in Martindale-Brightwood, part of his district, despite objections from many in the community.
- The Metrobloks project is the latest in a string of recent data center proposals across Indianapolis that have drawn strong opposition from neighbors concerned about the environment, noise and energy needs.
- This one was different, Gibson said in a letter of support, because of its small scale.
- The $500 million project includes two buildings on 14 acres near 25th Street and North Sherman Avenue that have long sat empty.
State of play: There was extra security for Monday's meeting and likely will be at committee meetings this week, council spokesperson Sara Hindi told Axios.
- Individual councilors haven't made requests for additional security but many condemned the violence.
- "Differences in opinion are a natural and necessary part of civic life," said Council President Maggie Lewis in a statement. "But violence, threats, and intimidation are not forms of dialogue — they are attacks on our shared commitment to democracy, civil discourse and community safety."
What's next: The Metropolitan Development Commission approved the Metrobloks project last week, sending it to the City-County Council for final approval — most likely next month.
- Gibson had said he wouldn't call the item down for an individual vote, instead allowing it to be voted on with a slate of other MDC recommendations and nearly guaranteeing its passage.
- "I believe I made the right decision to support the data center in my district," Gibson said. "It helps us to move from blight to opportunity."
