3 dead, 14 injured in Austin mass shooting on 6th Street, suspect fatally shot by officers

AUSTIN, TX — Three people are dead and 14 others are injured following a mass shooting at Buford’s on West 6th Street early Sunday, officials said. A suspect was fatally shot by police officers at the scene.

The FBI is now involved with the investigation into the shooting, authorities confirmed at a press conference around 9:30 a.m. Sunday morning.

APD says that the call came in at around 1:58 a.m. that someone was shooting near the bar.

According to police, the suspect had driven a large SUV around the block in that area several times. At one point he put his flashers on, rolled down his window and began using a pistol, shooting out of his car window and striking patrons on the Buford’s patio and in front of the bar.

APD says the suspect then proceeded westbound on Sixth Street, parking his car on Wood Street. Police say he then got out of the SUV and began shooting at people walking by, this time with a rifle. He then walked eastbound on Sixth Street with his rifle.

By that point, police had responded to the scene, coming westbound on Sixth Street. Officers met the suspect at an intersection, where they shot and killed him.

Austin-Travis County EMS Chief Robert Luckritz said paramedics received the call at 1:59 a.m. and the first responders were on scene within 57 seconds. Of the 17 total patients treated, three were pronounced dead at the scene and 14 were transported to area hospitals. Three were in critical condition.

ATCEMS Chief Robert Luckritz said that 20 EMS resources were at the scene. He said that all critical patients were off the scene within 24 minutes, and that all patients were off the scene within 47 minutes.

The FBI is now working “in lock step” with APD to investigate the shooting. Alex Doran, the FBI Acting Special Agent in Charge from the bureau’s San Antonio office, said that specialty teams with the bureau, including digital forensics and evidence response teams, responded to the scene to process and gather additional evidence.

The FBI says that it is too early in the investigation to determine a motivation, though indicators from the suspect and his vehicle may point to a “potential nexus to terrorism.”

The Travis County District Attorney’s Office said that they are “in touch with our law enforcement partners to support the investigation.”

Texas Governor Greg Abbott has directed DPS to increase patrols and add law enforcement personnel in the Sixth Street area of downtown Austin.

“This act of violence will not define us, nor will it shake the resolve of Texans,” the governor said in a statement. “To anyone who thinks about using the current conflict in the Middle East to threaten Texans or our critical infrastructure, understand this clearly: Texas will respond with decisive and overwhelming force to protect our state.”

Rep. Chip Roy said on social media that he had learned “very troubling facts” about the suspect after speaking with FBI and APD officials this morning.

The congressman says that he has heard from “multiple sources” that the shooting suspect wore a shirt saying “Property of Allah,” and that a Quran was found in the car. Rep. Roy also says that the suspect was a U.S. citizen naturalized from Senegal “just over a decade ago.”

“Austin is waking up to another gut-wrenching act of gun violence,” Rep. John Bucy III, who represents Austin in the Texas House of Representatives, said. “My heart is broken for the victims, for their families, & for the pain afflicted on our community.”

Austin Police Chief Lisa Davis said officers who had been working the nearby East 6th Street entertainment corridor rapidly responded to the scene as bars were closing for the night.

“Officers immediately transitioned, came over East 6th to West 6th Street and were faced with the individual with a gun,” Davis said. “Three of our officers returned fire, killing the suspect.”

Austin Mayor Kirk Watson offered condolences to victims and praised the swift response of first responders.

“They definitely saved lives,” Watson said.

Davis noted that federal law enforcement partners are also involved in the investigation, and that processing the scene would take several hours. More information is expected throughout the day.

The identities of the victims and the suspect have not been released.

Authorities asked the public to avoid the area.

APD will be holding a news conference regarding the incident at 9:30 a.m. at APD Headquarters.

The investigation is ongoing.

Community members who are searching for loved ones related to the shooting can call APD’s Victim Services Unit at 512-974-5037.

Leaders react

Local, state and national leaders have begun reacting to the shooting.

“Today’s 6th Street shooting has left our city shaken, grieving, and looking for answers,” Austin City Council member Vanessa Fuentes said in a statement. “To the victims, their families, and loved ones: our hearts are with you during this tragic time. To our first responders who were able to rapidly secure the scene and administer life-saving aid: thank you. Your brave, professional response undoubtedly saved lives.”

“We must end America’s gun violence epidemic,” Congressman Greg Casar said in a statement on social media. “Americans should be able to have fun at a bar without it turning into an unspeakable nightmare like this one— and I will redouble my efforts in Congress to prevent the next tragedy like this.”

“Life is precious. On that we can all agree,” state representative and candidate for Texas governor Gina Hinojosa said. “We must work much harder to protect it. As we learn more, let’s treat these developments and each other with humanity and care.”

“Gun violence is not inevitable, it is preventable. And I will not accept it as a normal part of life in our city.” Austin City Councilmember José Velásque said. “I am committed to using every tool available to protect our community.”

“We mourn with the victims and their families while recognizing the phenomenal work of the first responders who ran toward danger without hesitation to save others,” the Austin Police Association said in a statement. “Please keep everyone impacted in your prayers.”

“TMPA never hesitates to call out failed leadership — but today we’re recognizing the opposite,” the Texas Municipal Police Association said on social media. “Thank you, Mayor Kirk Watson, for immediately stating the truth: APD officers were the HEROES in this horrific attack.”

“This kind of calculated violence is meant to terrorize, to shake our sense of security, and to strike fear in innocent people enjoying a night out in Texas’ capital city,” Texas House Speaker Dustin Burrows. “I am deeply grateful for the rapid response of the Austin Police Department. Officers were on scene in less than a minute and stopped the threat before even more lives were taken. Their courage and decisive action saved lives.”

“I am deeply shaken and heartbroken by the shooting on 6th Street last night,” Austin City Council Member Zo Qadri said on social media. “I’m grateful to the Austin Police Department, EMS, and first responders for their swift response and for saving lives. My heart is with the victims and their families, as well as those injured, recovering, or who witnessed this tragic act.”

This is a developing story and will be updated as more information becomes available.