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By Joe Edwards
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At least three people have died and 14 hospitalized following an overnight shooting in Austin, Texas, with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) probing a potential link to terrorism.
The Context
The Austin Police Department said in an early-morning statement on Sunday that officers were responding to a shooting in the 600 block of Rio Grande Street close to Downtown and that the suspect was deceased.
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“The incident originated as a shoot/stab hotshot incident with multiple people injured,” police said.
What To Know
Speaking at a Sunday press conference, acting agent in charge of the FBI’s San Antonio office Alex Doran said his agency was working "in lockstep" with local police.
"We have members from our evidence response team, as well as our many other specialty teams including our digital forensics folks that are on scene helping to address the scene and gather additional evidence."
Doran continued: "Obviously, it's still way too early in the process to determine an exact motivation, but there were indicators on the subject and in his vehicle that indicate a potential nexus to terrorism."
"Again, it's still too early to make a determination on that. That's why we're investigating it very closely with our partners with Austin Police Department."
Speaking earlier on Sunday, Police Chief Lisa Davis described the shooting as a “tragic, tragic incident.”
Davis said calls were received for a male shooting at Buford’s bar on West 6th Street.
Davis said officers “immediately transitioned” to the area, “and were faced with the individual with a gun.”
“Three of our officers returned fire, killing the suspect,” said Davis.
Davis also noted that federal law enforcement partners were involved in investigation, and the scene would “take several hours to process.”
Robert Luckritz, the Austin-Travis County emergency medical services chief, said a total of 17 patients were treated on the scene, with 14 of those transported to hospital—three in critical condition.
Three were pronounced dead on-scene, Luckritz said.
As reported by The Associated Press, the suspect drove past the bar multiple times before stopping and firing a handgun out the window of his SUV toward people on the patio and near the entrance.
It reported the man then parked, stepped out with a rifle, and opened fire on pedestrians in the area until officers reached the intersection and shot him.
“We received the call at 1:59 a.m. and within 57 seconds the first paramedics and officers were on-scene actively treating the patients,” said Luckritz.
Austin Mayor Kirk Watson said he was “very thankful for the speed with which our public safety officials responded to this.
“I don’t think there’s any question that it saved lives.”
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What People Are Saying
The Austin Police Department said on X: “Austin Police officers are on scene investigating an Officer Involved Shooting in the 600 block of Rio Grande Street. The suspect is deceased. The incident originated as a shoot/stab hotshot incident with multiple people injured. Please avoid the area. More information to follow.”
EMS Chief Robert Luckritz said at a media briefing: "We had a total of 17 patients on the scene. Fourteen of those were transported to the hospital, three were pronounced dead on-scene. Of the 14 patients who were transported to the hospital, three were in critical condition."
Austin Mayor Kirk Watson said at the briefing: "Our hearts go out to the people that are victims of this."
What Happens Next
Authorities said they would update their associated social media channels with new information pertaining to the incident “as often as we possibly can.”
Watson said additional information would be provided over the course of the day.
“Community members searching for loved ones related to the shooting on West 6th Street are asked to call the Austin Police Department Victim Services Unit at 512-974-5037,” police said.
Update, 3/1/26, 12:10 p.m. ET: This article has been updated with a new headline and additional information.
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