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In a tragic turn of events, a shooting at a bustling Austin, Texas bar early Sunday morning has resulted in the deaths of three individuals and injuries to 14 others, according to local authorities.
The incident took place just before 2 a.m. at Buford’s Backyard Beer Garden, located in the heart of West Sixth Street, a lively entertainment hub in downtown Austin.
Upon arrival, police officers were confronted with an armed suspect. In response, three officers discharged their weapons, ultimately neutralizing the threat by fatally shooting the suspect.
Austin-Travis County EMS Chief, Robert Luckritz, commended the swift arrival of first responders, which was crucial in managing the situation and attending to the victims.
Three people are dead and 14 injured after a gunman opened fire at a crowded Austin bar early Sunday, police said. (Jay Janner/Austin American-Statesman via AP)
“We received a call at 1:39 a.m. and within 57 seconds, the first paramedics and officers were on scene actively treating the patients,” Luckritz said.
City officials, including Austin Mayor Kirk Watson, praised the rapid police and EMS response, saying it “definitely saved lives.”
Luckritz said three of the injured were listed in critical condition and taken to area hospitals.
Officers shot and killed the suspected gunman after responding to reports of gunfire on West Sixth Street in downtown Austin. (Ricardo B. Brazziell/Austin American-Statesman via AP)
The shooting comes amid ongoing safety concerns along Austin’s Sixth Street entertainment strip, which has seen multiple violent incidents in recent years as police and business owners work to improve crowd-control measures, according to local KVUE.
“There is chaos in front of that bar every weekend, OK? This is not a new thing,” Hugo Mendez, owner of Blindside Tattoos and Blindside Lounge, told the outlet. “It’s not necessarily Sixth Street. It’s certain bars… that don’t carry the standard.”
Austin-Travis County EMS said three victims were killed and three others remain in critical condition following the bar shooting. (Ricardo B. Brazziell/Austin American-Statesman via AP)
Authorities have set up a Victim Services Unit hotline for families seeking information.
The investigation remains active. Officials said more details are expected later Sunday.
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