At least three people were killed and 17 others were wounded early Sunday when a gunman opened fire outside a downtown Austin bar before being fatally shot by police, authorities said.
The shooting erupted just before 2 a.m. near Buford’s bar on West Sixth Street, one of the city’s busiest nightlife corridors. Among the dead was the suspected shooter, who police said was killed after officers returned fire.
Austin Police Chief Lisa Davis said officers responding to reports of an active shooter encountered a man armed with a firearm outside the venue in the 600 block of Rio Grande Street.
“Three of our officers returned fire, killing the suspect,” Davis said at a Sunday morning news conference, calling the violence a “tragic, tragic incident.”
Authorities said 17 people were shot during the chaos. Austin-Travis County EMS Chief Rob Luckritz said 14 victims were transported to area hospitals, while three were pronounced dead at the scene. Of those hospitalized, three remained in critical condition as of Sunday morning. Officials indicated that all of the injured were expected to survive.
Police have not released the names of the victims or the suspect. Investigators have not yet said whether the gunman had any known connection to the bar or to those who were shot.
Davis said officers were already stationed in the Sixth Street entertainment district as part of routine weekend patrol operations when the shooting began, allowing for a swift response.
Paramedics arrived within 57 seconds of the first reports of gunfire, officials said.
Austin Mayor Kirk Watson credited the quick action of law enforcement and emergency responders with preventing further loss of life.
“I’m very thankful for the speed with which our public safety officials responded to this,” Watson said. “I don’t think there’s any question that it saved lives.”
Video shared on social media showed a heavy police presence flooding the area shortly after the shooting. Other clips appeared to capture terrified patrons crouching inside the bar as gunshots rang out, with additional shots audible as officers confronted the suspect.
Authorities said officers were still securing and processing the extensive crime scene hours after the incident. By 5:30 a.m., investigators continued collecting surveillance footage from nearby businesses and interviewing witnesses both inside and outside the venue.
Law enforcement officials familiar with the investigation said preliminary evidence indicates the suspect may have used both a handgun and an assault-style rifle. Police have not publicly confirmed those details.
The FBI has joined the Austin Police Department in the investigation. Authorities said the bureau’s Joint Terrorism Task Force is assisting based on evidence recovered at the scene, though officials have not indicated whether terrorism is suspected.
Investigators have not yet provided a detailed timeline of how the attack unfolded or whether the suspect acted alone.
The shooting occurred in the heart of Austin’s nightlife district, which routinely draws large crowds on weekends. West Sixth Street is known for its concentration of bars, live music venues and restaurants.
Officials said police and paramedics were deployed nearby as part of standard public safety measures for high-traffic evenings.
The area remained partially cordoned off Sunday morning as authorities continued examining shell casings and documenting the scene.
City leaders urged calm and asked anyone with video footage or additional information to contact investigators.
“This is a devastating morning for Austin,” Davis said. “We are committed to determining exactly what happened and ensuring accountability.”
The identities of those killed and injured are expected to be released after families are notified.
Dailymail/Statesman
