INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — Police say an attack against an Indianapolis councilman who voiced approval of a near east side data center last week was targeted and is under investigation. Indianapolis City-County Councilor Ron Gibson reported the shooting early Monday morning. Gibson, a Democrat, serves District 8, which includes parts of the city’s near north and east sides. Gibson has held the position since 2023. Gibson said in a statement that the incident happened just before 1 a.m. when a suspect fired 13 rounds at his home. Gibson says he and his 8-year-old son were home at the time, though neither were hurt. According to Gibson, they also found a note left on his doorstep that read, “No Data Centers.” The shooting incident comes days after the approval of a data center in Gibson’s district in the Martindale-Brightwood area. On April 1, the Indianapolis Metropolitan Development Commission approved a Metrobloks data center to be built on Sherman Drive near 25th Street. Since its first proposal, the data center has drawn much criticism from residents and others across the city. After the commission’s vote, Gibson voiced his approval of the data in a statement on Facebook. “The project already includes a $2.5 million commitment to support Martindale-Brightwood, with early estimates showing that at least $20 million and potentially more could be directed into the neighborhood through additional investments,” he said. “MetroBloks has the potential to bring significant investment, create jobs, and generate long-term tax revenue that supports infrastructure, housing, and essential services.” “When this petition comes to full Council, I do not intend to call it down,” he added. Gibson says he and his 8-year-old son were home at the time, though neither were hurt. The Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department began its investigation at 9 a.m. Monday, adding that IMPD North District’s Violent Crimes Task Force and the FBI were assisting. “I am a public servant, but I am also a father and a neighbor,” Gibson said in a statement. “This act brought violence into our neighborhood, the very thing I work every day to stand against.” Police have not identified any suspects. A spokesperson for the Indianapolis City-County Council says they have requested additional security for Monday night’s meeting. (Provided Photos/Councilman Ron Gibson) Full statement from City-County Councilor Ron Gibson Earlier this morning, between approximately 12:45 a.m. and 12:50 a.m., just a few hours after Easter Sunday, an individual fired 13 rounds at the front door of my home and left a note on my doorstep that read, ‘No Data Centers.’ My 8-year-old son and I were not physically harmed, but we were awakened by the sound of gunfire. Like any parent, I immediately ran to him and reassured him that he was safe. Just steps from where those bullets struck is our dining room table, where my son had been playing with his Legos the day before. That reality is deeply unsettling. This was not just an attack on my home, but endangered my child and disrupted the safety of our entire neighborhood. I understand that public service can bring strong opinions and disagreement, but violence is never the answer, especially when it puts families at risk. I am a public servant, but I am also a father and a neighbor. This act brought violence into our neighborhood, the very thing I work every day to stand against. This will not deter me. I will continue to serve the residents of this district with integrity and respect for all voices. I want to thank IMPD, the FBI, and Homeland Security for their work on this investigation. I pray that justice is served and those responsible are held accountable. Above all, I thank God that my son and I are safe. Indianapolis City-County Councilor Ron Gibson Statement from City-County Council President Maggie A. Lewis The entire Indianapolis City-County Council is deeply disturbed and heartbroken by the violent act targeting the home of our colleague, Councilor Ron Gibson. The reported discharge of gunfire, paired with a threatening message left behind, represents an alarming and unacceptable escalation. We are deeply thankful that no lives were lost or physically harmed. Yet, this act of intimidation strikes at the heart of our values. No elected official—or any resident of Indianapolis—should ever fear for their safety because of their public service or policy positions. Differences in opinion are a natural and necessary part of civic life. But violence, threats, and intimidation are not forms of dialogue—they are attacks on our shared commitment to democracy, civil discourse, and community safety. We stand in unwavering solidarity with Councilor Gibson and his family during this deeply troubling time. We also reaffirm our collective commitment to ensuring that all public servants can carry out their duties free from fear, harassment, or harm. We urge anyone with information related to this incident to cooperate fully with law enforcement as they work to investigate and bring those responsible to justice. Indianapolis is stronger when we stand together—rejecting violence, choosing respect, and protecting one another. Indianapolis City-County Council President Maggie A. Lewis This is a developing story. ...read more read less