Indianapolis City-County Councilmember Ron Gibson’s home was struck by 13 bullets early Monday, accompanied by a note reading "No Data Centers." The attack appears to be linked to Gibson’s support for a $500 million data center project in the Martindale-Brightwood neighborhood.
Gibson, who was home with his 8-year-old son at the time, reported no injuries but described the incident as "deeply unsettling." "Just steps from where those bullets struck is our dining room table, where my son had been playing with his Legos the day before," Gibson said in a statement.
Political Tensions Over AI Infrastructure
The shooting follows Gibson’s public endorsement of the data center project, which was approved by the Indianapolis Metropolitan Development Commission on April 1. The 14-acre development, spearheaded by Los Angeles-based Metrobloks, has faced opposition from local residents and community leaders concerned about environmental impact, rising energy costs, and land use.
Such disputes are playing out nationwide as tech giants like Amazon, Microsoft, and Google expand AI infrastructure. Critics argue that data centers consume excessive energy, create noise pollution, and disrupt local ecosystems, including the potential to form "heat islands" that elevate temperatures in surrounding areas.
"I understand that public service can bring strong opinions and disagreement, but violence is never the answer," Gibson stated.
Growing Backlash Against Data Centers
Resistance to data center projects has intensified across the U.S., with communities in Arizona, Mississippi, Virginia, and Texas voicing similar concerns. In Southaven, Mississippi, residents compared the noise from a data center’s gas turbine to a "jet engine roar."
Public sentiment toward AI technology is also waning. A recent poll found that only 26% of Americans view AI favorably, while 46% hold negative opinions. Politicians have seized on this discontent, introducing legislation to regulate AI development and impose moratoriums on data center construction.
Gibson has called for a thorough investigation into the attack, thanking the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department, FBI, and Homeland Security for their efforts. No suspects have yet been identified.