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2:00pm update:
The FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force is now involved in the investigation of a deadly mass shooting in Austin Texas that left three people — including the gunman — dead and at least 14 others wounded. It happened about 2am Sunday morning in Austin’s busy downtown entertainment district.
Images from the scene show the suspect wearing camouflage pants and a black hoodie with the words “Property of Allah.” There are reports that a Quran was found in his vehicle, and some indication there was an Iranian flag on his undershirt. The killer was originally from Senegal, though his immigration status is still under investigation.
Authorities say it is too early to determine whether the shooting was motivated by political or religious ideology. Local officials are praising the swift response by Austin police and emergency personnel, which they say likely prevented even more casualties
Original story:
A mass shooting at a popular bar on West Sixth Street in downtown Austin left three people dead and 14 others injured early Sunday (March 1), with police killing the armed suspect at the scene.
According to KXAN Austin, Austin-Travis County Emergency Medical Services (ATCEMS) received the call at 1:59 a.m. and had paramedics and officers on the scene within 57 seconds. The shooting took place at Buford's Bar, located at West Sixth and Rio Grande streets, a stretch well known for its nightlife and entertainment venues.
Austin Police Chief Lisa Davis said officers had been staging nearby on East Sixth Street — standard protocol for bar-closing hours — when they were called to the scene. "Officers immediately transitioned, came over East 6th to West 6th Street and were faced with the individual with a gun," Davis told reporters at a joint press conference. "Three of our officers returned fire, killing the suspect."
ATCEMS Chief Robert Luckritz said a total of 17 patients were treated at the scene. Three people, including the male suspect, were pronounced dead on scene. The remaining 14 were transported to area hospitals, with three of them in critical condition as of the last report.
Austin Police Department (APD) first posted about the incident on X at 3:46 a.m., describing it as a "shoot/stab hotshot incident with multiple people injured" and confirming the suspect was deceased. Authorities asked the public to avoid the area while the scene was being processed.
Austin Mayor Kirk Watson praised the rapid response of first responders. "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."
Federal law enforcement partners also responded to the scene and are involved in the ongoing investigation. The identities of the victims and the suspect have not yet been released. Officials said they expect to share more information throughout the day as the investigation continues.