In brief
Ron Gibson, an Indianapolis councilman, reported that 13 shots were fired at his home early Monday morning, accompanied by a message opposing data centers. Thankfully, neither he nor his son were injured. The police are treating the incident as an isolated attack, while Gibson emphasizes the importance of dialogue over violence, vowing to continue serving his constituents despite the threat to his family's safety.
INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — A shooting incident at the home of an Indiana politician has sent shockwaves through the local community. Ron Gibson, an Indianapolis city councilman, reported that he and his 8-year-old son were awakened in the middle of the night to the sound of gunfire. A total of 13 shots were fired at his front door, causing damage and leaving a note reading “No Data Centers” on their doorstep.
Gibson stated that while neither he nor his son were harmed, the bullets struck alarmingly close to where his son had played just the day before. That reality is deeply unsettling, he remarked. This was not just an attack on my home, but endangered my child and disrupted the safety of our entire neighborhood. The Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department confirmed they found evidence of gunfire upon their arrival to the scene and stated they are treating this as a targeted incident, with assistance from the FBI.
In the wake of the shooting, Gibson emphasized that public service can attract strong opinions but violence is never a solution. He reaffirmed his commitment to serving the residents of his district, stating, This will not deter me. I will continue to serve the residents of this district with integrity and respect for all voices.
Last week, the Indianapolis Metropolitan Development Commission had approved a rezoning petition for a project involving Metrobloks, a company looking to develop a data center in Gibson’s district. The development has sparked opposition from various community members who expressed concerns about its potential impact on the neighborhood during a commission meeting. Despite the attacks, Gibson supported the commission's decision, reassuring his commitment to productive community development.
