Austin Negotiates with Abbott to Avoid $2.5M Grant Loss Over ICE Policy City officials in Austin are engaged in discussions with Texas Governor Greg Abbott to prevent the loss of $2.5 million in state grant funding, following Abbott’s threat to revoke the money over new policies enacted by the Austin Police Department (APD) that limit interactions between local officers and federal immigration agents. The dispute centers on APD’s recent policy, which prohibits officers from arresting or detaining individuals solely based on noncriminal warrants issued by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The policy was introduced in March after public backlash over a 911 call that resulted in the deportation of an Austin woman and her daughter, sparking widespread community concerns about police cooperation with federal immigration enforcement. Assistant City Manager for Public Safety Ramon Batista stated that Austin officials are “continuing conversations with the Governor’s office in a good faith effort to reach a resolution.” He emphasized the critical role of the at-risk grants, which fund programs aimed at preventing terrorist attacks, processing sexual assault kits, and keeping youth out of the juvenile justice system. Abbott’s threat to withhold funding came as part of a broader crackdown on three major Texas cities—Austin, Houston, and Dallas—that have implemented policies to curtail local police interactions with ICE. The governor’s office argued that the new APD policy violates state grant agreements by “impeding or restricting” the ability of officers to notify ICE about individuals in custody who may have immigration violations.#lisas_davis #austin_police_department #u_s_immigration_and_customs_enforcement #texas_governor_greg_abbott #ramon_batista
Police have identified the two individuals killed in a mass shooting in Downtown Austin, but authorities say it is too early to determine the motive behind the attack. The incident occurred on West Sixth Street, where a gunman opened fire, killing two people and injuring more than a dozen others. The victims, 19-year-old Ryder Harrington and 21-year-old Savitha Shan, were confirmed by University of Texas President Jim Davis, who noted that Shan was a student at the university. Three patients remain in critical condition, and one person is expected to be taken off life support, according to Austin Police Chief Lisa Davis. A total of 14 individuals were transported to nearby hospitals, with at least four already released. Investigators are in the early stages of a complex case involving a large crime scene and extensive physical and digital evidence. Authorities are reviewing information from approximately 150 witnesses to piece together the events leading up to the shooting. Davis also mentioned that the investigation into an officer-involved shooting related to the incident will result in additional updates later this week, including the release of body camera footage on Thursday. FBI Acting Special Agent in Charge Alex Doran stated that federal investigators are examining the suspect’s criminal history and background, details that will be included in the upcoming update. Doran also noted that the FBI is investigating potential ideological or international links to the attack, including items associated with the suspect, such as clothing referencing Iran. The firearms used in the shooting were obtained legally, according to Davis. Both Doran and Davis emphasized that the suspect had not been previously identified as a potential threat.#austin #jim_davis #university_of_texas #west_sixth_street #lisas_davis
Austin Police Name Victims Killed in 6th Street Mass Shooting Austin Police have identified two victims who were killed in the Sunday morning mass shooting on West Sixth Street. The incident left three people dead, including the shooter, and 14 others injured. During a Monday afternoon press conference, Austin Police Chief Lisa Davis confirmed that Savitha Shan, 21, and Ryder Harrington, 19, were among those killed. Shan was a student at the University of Texas at Austin, and Harrington had previously attended Texas Tech University. The death total includes the shooter, 53-year-old Ndiaga Diagne. The FBI San Antonio field office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) are also involved in the investigation. Diagne drove around the area several times before firing a handgun at Buford’s, a bar on West Sixth Street, minutes before 2 a.m. Sunday. He then parked his SUV, exited, and fired a rifle at the bar. Police officers nearby shot and killed Diagne shortly after. Authorities have not yet released a motive for the shooting, but the FBI said it was looking into the case as a possible act of terrorism. Texas Governor Greg Abbott mentioned that the Texas Department of Public Safety is also assisting with the investigation. He emphasized the need to determine if Diagne acted alone or if he had been in contact with others. The investigation aims to better track and identify lone wolves or anyone connected to terrorist organizations to prevent future incidents. Austin Mayor Kirk Watson opened the presser by thanking law enforcement, victim services, medical personnel, and federal agencies for their efforts. He described the shooting as a very traumatic moment for the city.#ryder_harrington #savitha_shan #austin_police #lisas_davis #ndiaga_diagne
