Key Points:
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Three people, including the suspected gunman, were killed in downtown Austin
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Fourteen victims were hospitalized, with three in critical condition
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Police say officers shot and killed the suspect within minutes
AUSTIN, Texas: Panic swept through the crowded West Sixth Street nightlife district early Sunday after gunfire erupted outside Buford’s bar, leaving three people dead and 14 others hospitalized, officials said.
Austin-Travis County EMS Chief Robert Luckritz told reporters the first emergency call came in at 1:59 a.m., with paramedics arriving on scene just 57 seconds later in what authorities described as a rapid response.
Police Chief Lisa Davis said officers already working nearby quickly moved from East Sixth Street to West Sixth, where they confronted an armed suspect.
“Three of our officers returned fire, killing the suspect,” Davis confirmed during the early morning briefing.
Victims rushed to hospitals
Luckritz said three people, including the suspected shooter, were pronounced dead at the scene. Fourteen additional victims were transported to local hospitals, with three listed in critical condition.
Emergency crews treated multiple patients along the busy entertainment strip, which is typically packed with late-night crowds as bars close.
Witnesses described scenes of chaos as shots rang out, with people running in all directions while first responders flooded the area.
Heavy police presence
Authorities sealed off several blocks around West Sixth Street near the intersection with Nueces Street as investigators began processing the scene.
Federal partners are assisting Austin police, and officials warned the investigation could take several hours as detectives work to determine the motive and sequence of events.
So far, police have not released the identity of the suspect or provided details about what led to the shooting.
Mayor praises rapid response
Austin Mayor Kirk Watson credited first responders for preventing further loss of life.
“I want to again reiterate my thanks to our public safety officers and officials that so rapidly were on the scene,” Watson said. “They definitely saved lives.”
Officials emphasized that there is no ongoing threat to the public but said additional briefings are expected as the investigation develops.
