Three people died, and at least 14 others were injured in a mass shooting on West Sixth Street in downtown Austin overnight on Saturday, according to Austin-Travis County Emergency Medical Services. The incident occurred during the transition from Saturday to Sunday, with the area under investigation by the Austin Police Department. Authorities confirmed that the shooting took place at a bar on West Sixth Street, with the suspect using an SUV to approach the scene. Police reported that the suspect fired a handgun out of the vehicle’s window, striking individuals on a patio and in front of the establishment. After parking on Wood Street, the suspect exited the vehicle and continued shooting at pedestrians. Officers arrived promptly and fatally shot the suspect during the confrontation. Federal agencies, including the FBI and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), were on the scene to assist with the investigation. The FBI stated that there were “indicators” of terrorism linked to the shooting, though no specific details were provided. The agency’s joint terrorism task force and specialty teams are reviewing the case. Emergency responders acted swiftly, with medics arriving within 57 seconds of receiving the call at 1:59 a.m. Austin-Travis County EMS reported that 14 individuals were transported to hospitals, three of whom were in critical condition. Austin Mayor Kirk Watson praised the rapid response, calling it “a lifesaver” for those affected. Chief of the Austin Police Department, Davis, highlighted the importance of the department’s customary staging on East Sixth Street, which allowed for a quick mobilization of officers and medical personnel.#fbi #west_sixth_street #atf #austin_police_department #austin_travis_county_ems
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
