City-County Councilor Ron Gibson stands by data center after shooting
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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."