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The shocking events of the recent mass shooting in Austin have taken a grim turn, with authorities now confirming that the number of injured individuals has risen to 18. This revelation came to light following an update from the Austin Police Department on Thursday.
In the aftermath of the tragedy, Austin Police Chief Lisa Davis provided new insights into the unfolding situation. Initially, it was reported that two individuals had lost their lives, but the grim tally increased as the situation developed. Savitha Shan, aged 21, and 19-year-old Ryder Harrington were the first victims identified, both succumbing to their injuries shortly after the incident on Sunday.
Tragically, the death toll climbed further when 30-year-old Jorge Pederson, a recent addition to the Austin community, passed away in the hospital on Monday. His death marked the third fatality resulting from the harrowing events.
As of the latest reports, two victims remain hospitalized. One of them is in critical condition, fighting for survival as the community grapples with the aftermath of this senseless violence.
Two people are still in the hospital, with one in critical condition, according to Davis.Â
During Thursday’s briefing, police played portions of surveillance video, 911 calls, body camera video and radio traffic to illustrate the timeline of the response and the scale of the shooting.
Officers arrived at the scene within 57 seconds of the first 911 call and immediately tended to victims outside Buford’s bar on West Sixth Street. Investigators said the shooter drove a black Cadillac SUV when he began firing a semi-automatic pistol at people outside the bar.
The shooter then stopped near West Sixth and Wood streets and began firing an AR-15-style rifle at a pedestrian before walking toward Buford’s. Davis said the guns used in the shooting were obtained legally.
At 2:03 a.m., officers located the shooter, who fired at them, according to Davis. Officers then shot and killed him.
Davis said the department had no prior criminal interactions with the shooter. She said a mental health call in New York involving the shooter in 2022 ended with him being given access to mental health resources but not being taken into custody.
On Sunday, FBI Acting Special Agent-in-Charge Alex Doran said the FBI is examining the shooter’s criminal history and background. Doran said federal investigators are examining whether there is a connection to terrorism. Davis did not give an update on whether that investigation has determined a motive.Â
Anyone with any video or photographic evidence of the shooting is asked to submit it to police via the APD website.