City officials said the austin shooting on West Sixth Street left two people dead, at least 14 others injured, and the suspected gunman was also killed by officers, according to police statements.
Austin Police Chief Lisa Davis identified the suspect as Ndiaga Diagne and said he drove a large SUV, circled the block several times, then stopped, turned on the vehicle's hazard lights and began firing a handgun outside Buford's bar.
Davis said Diagne parked near Wood Street, exited the SUV and continued shooting with a pistol and later a rifle while walking east on Sixth Street, and officers who were stationed nearby opened fire and killed him.
Police confirmed only two weapons were recovered, a pistol and a rifle, and officers located 14 patients at the scene who were taken to local hospitals; two victims were pronounced dead at the scene.
St. David's HealthCare reported at least four of the 14 patients have been released, while three hospitalized patients remain in critical condition, officials said.
The FBI Joint Terrorism Task Force joined the investigation and FBI Acting Special Agent in Charge Alex Doran said the agency deployed evidence response and digital forensics teams. Doran cautioned it was too early to determine a motive, while noting investigators found indicators on the subject and in his vehicle that suggest a potential nexus to terrorism.
ATCEMS Chief Robert Luckritz said paramedics embedded with police treated patients within 57 seconds, more than 20 EMS resources responded, and all critical patients were off the scene within 24 minutes and all patients within 47 minutes.
Mayor Kirk Watson praised the rapid response as life saving, University of Texas President Jim Davis said students were among those affected, and Austin Police asked anyone needing personal items retrieved to call Victim Services at 512-974-5037.
Lawmakers And Officials Respond
Local elected officials offered condolences and thanked first responders, with City Council members Vanessa Fuentes, Chito Vela, Zo Qadri and Krista Laine all praising the swift action that helped save lives.
Travis County Judge Andy Brown said he spoke with Mayor Watson, ATCEMS leadership and the sheriff, offered assistance and expressed sorrow for the victims and families while the investigation continues.
Several state and federal lawmakers reacted publicly. Congressman Lloyd Doggett called the tragedy preventable and urged action on gun policy, while State Representative James Talarico asked for prayer and said people must act to protect life.
State Senators Sarah Eckhardt and Judith Zaffirini pointed to the presence of a pistol and an assault rifle in the attack and said the accessibility of deadly weapons must be addressed, according to their statements.
National figures also weighed in, with Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett, Congressman Joaquin Castro, former members Colin Allred and Gabby Giffords offering prayers and urging steps to prevent future attacks.
