3 dead, 14 injured; suspect killed by cops

Three people are dead and 14 others were injured in a mass shooting early Sunday outside Buford’s bar on West Sixth Street in downtown Austin, officials said. Among the dead was the suspected gunman who was shot by officers. 

The FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force has joined the investigation based on preliminary evidence found at the scene, authorities said. The shooter is believed to have used a pistol and an assault rifle, law enforcement officials said. The officials spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss details of the ongoing investigation.

Police Chief Lisa Davis said that when officers arrived, they found an active shooter and confronted him. 

“Three of our officers returned fire, killing the suspect,” Davis said during a news conference Sunday morning.

Davis said police were able to respond promptly due to their presence on East Sixth Street, the city’s busiest strip of bars and restaurants. The first call reporting the shooting came in at 1:59 a.m.

Austin-Travis County EMS Chief Rob Luckritz said three of the 14 individuals taken to hospitals were in critical condition.

Photos: Aftermath of downtown Austin mass shooting on Sixth Street

The FBI has joined the Austin Police Department in the investigation into the shooting, authorities confirmed. As of 5:30 a.m., police were processing an expansive scene, including trying to collect security video in the area and talking to any patrons or witnesses inside and outside the bar.

Mayor Kirk Watson praised first responders for their prompt arrival at the scene.

“I’m very thankful for the speed with which our officials responded to this,” Watson said. “I don’t think there’s any question: It saved lives.”

A few Buford’s employees were gathered outside at 5 a.m. but declined to comment. A former manager, Scott Yancy, hugged one of the workers and burst out in tears.

Yancy said no one at Buford’s had been injured.

“I’m so glad everyone is OK,” Yancy said.

U.S. Rep. Greg Casar, D-Austin, said on social media that he was “horrified and heartbroken” by the mass shooting and called for prayers for those in critical condition.

“We must end America’s gun violence epidemic,” Casar said on X. “Americans should be able to have fun at a bar without it turning into an unspeakable nightmare like this one — and I will redouble my efforts in Congress to prevent the next tragedy like this.”

Jeremiah Carbajal, a concierge at Hanover Republic Square on West Fifth Street, said he heard what sounded like something twice as powerful as fireworks going off.

“I heard screaming and yelling and crying,” he said.

Marc White said he was at Mayfair Nightclub & Terrace, about a block and a half away from Buford’s, when the shooting happened but he didn’t hear it.

“It’s terrifying to hear that people died,” he said. “You don’t expect this to happen on West Sixth Street.”

Anyone searching for family members or friends in connection with the shooting is asked to call the Austin Police Department’s Victim Services Unit at 512-974-5037.

This is a developing story; check back for updates.

This story has been corrected to say there were 14 injuries.