Three people died as a result of the shooting outside the West Sixth Street bar and more than a dozen were injured.
AUSTIN, Texas — An Austin bar that was the site of tragedy is now sharing how the community has come together in support.
In the early hours of March 1, police say a man began firing at people outside Buford’s bar on West Sixth Street. The suspect stopped near West Sixth and Wood streets and began firing at a pedestrian before walking toward Buford’s. The suspect was then spotted by police, and after an exchange of gunfire, he was killed.
Eighteen people were struck by gunfire, according to police. Two people, 21-year-old Savitha Shan and 19-year-old Ryder Harrington, were pronounced dead shortly after the shooting. The following day, a third victim, 30-year-old Jorge Pederson, died at a hospital.
Buford’s reopened on Friday, March 6, and announced its intention to donate 100% of the sales generated that weekend to the victims and families impacted by the shooting. Victory Lap West Campus, a bar located in the University of Texas at Austin area, and its sister location, Victory Lap Rainey, also pledged to donate a portion of their sales that weekend.
Now, Buford’s has provided an update on how much it has raised. An Instagram post made on Saturday reads:
“Over the past few weeks, we’ve taken the time to process and begin to move forward. What has stayed with us most is how this community showed up.
To everyone who supported our team through donations, meals, messages, and simply being there, thank you. It has meant more than we can put into words.
Because of this collection effort, we’ve raised approximately $35,000 for the victims and families impacted. That is a direct reflection of this community.
We will never forget the lives affected, and we remain committed to honoring them.
From all of us at Buford’s, thank you for standing with us.”