At least two people were killed and 14 others were wounded in a mass shooting overnight at a popular bar in Austin, Texas, authorities said Sunday. The gunman was also killed, police said.
Austin Police Chief Lisa Davis said police received a call for reports of a “male shooting” at Buford’s, a beer garden in the city’s entertainment district.
Fourteen people were hospitalized, and three were in critical condition, Austin-Travis County EMS Chief Robert Luckritz said.
“We received a call at 1:39 a.m. and within 57 seconds, the first paramedics and officers were on scene actively treating the patients,” Luckritz said.
There was no initial word on the shooter’s identity or motive.
An Austin police officer guards the scene on West 6th Street at West Avenue after a shooting on Sunday, March 1, 2026, in Austin, Texas. Jay Janner/Austin American-Statesman via AP
Davis noted how fortunate it was that there was a heavy police presence in Austin’s entertainment district at the time, enabling officers to respond quickly as bars were closing.
“Officers immediately transitioned … and were faced with the individual with a gun,” she said. “Three of our officers returned fire, killing the suspect.”
She called the shooting” a tragic, tragic incident.”
Austin Police Chief Lisa Davis provides a briefing after a shooting on Sunday, March 1, 2026, near West Sixth Street and Nueces in downtown Austin, Texas. Ricardo B. Brazziell/Austin American-Statesman via AP
Austin Mayor Kirk Watson said his heart goes out to the victims, and he praised the swift response of first responders.
“They definitely saved lives,” he said.
Davis said federal law enforcement is aiding the investigation.
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- Austin
- Shooting
- Mass Shooting