The FBI is investigating a “potential nexus to terrorism” in a deadly mass shooting that erupted simply earlier than 2 a.m. CT Sunday in Austin’s leisure district, leaving a minimum of three individuals useless, together with the suspected gunman, and 14 others wounded.
“Obviously, it’s still way too early in the process to determine an exact motivation, but there were indicators on the subject and then his vehicle that indicate a potential nexus to terrorism,” Alex Doran, appearing particular agent in cost of the FBI San Antonio Division, stated at a information convention Sunday morning.
Three of these hospitalized are in crucial situation, officers stated.
There have been a minimum of 56 mass shootings in the US to date this yr – outlined as when a minimum of 4 persons are shot, not together with the shooter – in accordance to the Gun Violence Archive.
Authorities acquired a name a few man shooting from a big SUV, outdoors Buford’s Backyard Beer Garden at West Sixth and Rio Grande streets, in accordance to Austin Police Chief Lisa Davis. The SUV had been noticed circling the block earlier than the shooting, she stated.
“At one point, he put his flashers on, rolled down his window, and began using a pistol, shooting out of his car windows, striking patrons of the bar that were on the patio and that were in front of the bar,” Davis stated.
The suspect then drove westbound on Sixth Street, parked his automobile and acquired out on foot with a rifle, Davis stated. He then started shooting at individuals strolling by, she stated.
Because police and emergency medical groups are predeployed downtown on weekends, authorities reached the suspect in lower than a minute, Davis stated.
“Our suspect was coming toward East Austin or East Sixth Street, officers were coming toward him, and at the intersection, he was shot and he was killed at this time,” Davis stated.
Davis beforehand informed reporters three officers “returned fire” after they encountered the suspect.
The bomb squad was known as in after investigators noticed gadgets contained in the suspect’s automobile that raised issues, Davis stated, however the automobile was “cleared pretty quickly,” and it was decided there have been no explosives.
“This is a tragic, tragic incident,” Davis stated. “Our federal partners are here, as well as others, and this will be a scene that will take several hours to process.”
The FBI San Antonio Division, which covers the Austin space, confirmed the FBI Joint Terrorism Task Force has joined the investigation primarily based on proof discovered on the scene.
Paramedics embedded in the leisure district with the Austin Police Department on weekends shortly responded, in accordance to Robert Luckritz, Austin-Travis County Emergency Medical Services chief.
“We had more than 20 EMS resources that responded to the scene. We had all critical patients off the scene within 24 minutes, and all patients off the scene within 47 minutes,” Luckritz stated.
“Our hearts go out to the people that are victims of this. And I want to again reiterate my thanks to our public safety officers and officials that so rapidly were on the scene,” Austin Mayor Kirk Watson stated on the information convention. “They definitely saved lives.”
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott condemned the assault and stated he ordered the Department of Public Safety to enhance patrols and regulation enforcement personnel in the Sixth Street space on weekends.
“This act of violence will not define us, nor will it shake the resolve of Texans,” he stated in an announcement.
This is a creating story and can be up to date.