In brief
In the early hours of Monday, Indiana councilman Ron Gibson and his 8-year-old son were shaken awake by the sound of 13 gunshots aimed at their home. The incident, which left bullets striking dangerously close to where his son had played just the day before, was accompanied by a note stating 'No Data Centers.' While the police suspect it to be an isolated incident, the FBI has joined the investigation. Gibson has vowed to continue his public service despite the violence, promoting community safety and sustained development efforts in his district.
INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — An Indiana politician is reeling following a frightening incident at his home, where he and his son were awakened in the early hours of Monday by 13 gunshots fired at their front door. Accompanying the violence was a note reading 'No Data Centers,' referencing a contentious project set to convert an underutilized site into a data center in the community.
Councilman Ron Gibson reported that although he and his 8-year-old son were unharmed, the bullets struck perilously close to where his son had played with Legos just days prior. '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,' Gibson expressed in a statement.
The Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department responded to the incident, confirming they found evidence of gunfire at the residence but reported no injuries. Authorities believe this may be an isolated, targeted attack, and they are currently collaborating with the FBI in their investigation.
Gibson condemned the violence, stating that while public service can elicit strong opinions and disagreements, violence is never the solution, especially when it risks innocent lives. 'This will not deter me. I will continue to serve the residents of this district with integrity and respect for all voices,' he affirmed.
The incident comes shortly after the Indianapolis Metropolitan Development Commission's approval of a rezoning petition that would allow a new data center project, which opponents argue could negatively impact the community. Gibson supported this decision, emphasizing the need to bring the site back into productive use to benefit the neighborhood and the city.
