Austin (US), Mar 1: Three people were killed and 14 others injured in a mass shooting at Buford’s Backyard Beer Garden on West 6th Street in Austin early Sunday morning, authorities said.
Police said an armed male opened fire inside the popular bar located in the city’s entertainment district as establishments were closing for the night. Officers already deployed in the nearby area rushed to the scene and confronted the suspect.
“Officers immediately transitioned… and were faced with the individual with a gun. Three of our officers returned fire, killing the suspect,” Austin Police Chief Lisa Davis told reporters at an early morning press conference.
Austin-Travis County EMS Chief Robert Luckritz said paramedics received the emergency call between 1:39 a.m. and 1:59 a.m., and first responders arrived within 57 seconds.
“We received a call… and within 57 seconds, the first paramedics and officers were on scene actively treating the patients,” Luckritz said.
Of the 17 people treated, three were pronounced dead at the scene, while 14 were taken to area hospitals. Three of the injured remain in critical condition, officials said.
Mayor Kirk Watson praised the swift response of law enforcement and emergency services. “I am very thankful for the speed with which our public safety officials responded… it saved lives,” Watson said, adding, “They definitely saved lives.”
Authorities said federal law enforcement agencies are assisting in the investigation. The identities of the victims and the suspect have not yet been released. Police have asked the public to avoid the area as forensic teams process the scene, and a victim support line has been activated for families seeking information.
Leaders at the city, state and national levels expressed condolences and renewed calls to address gun violence.
“Our hearts are with you… Your brave, professional response undoubtedly saved lives,” Austin City Council Member Vanessa Fuentes said.
Congressman Greg Casar said, “We must end America’s gun violence epidemic.”
State Representative Gina Hinojosa said, “Life is precious… We must work much harder to protect it,” while Councilmember José Velásquez added, “Gun violence is not inevitable, it is preventable.”
The Austin Police Association said, “We mourn with the victims… Please keep everyone impacted in your prayers,” and the Texas Municipal Police Association stated that APD officers were the “HEROES in this horrific attack.”
Texas House Speaker Dustin Burrows said officers “were on scene in less than a minute and stopped the threat before even more lives were taken.”
Further updates are expected at a scheduled press conference later in the day.
