AUSTIN, Texas — Austin City Council members are calling for accountability and transparency following the fatal shooting of a 17-year-old by police officers early Friday, an incident authorities believe may have been an attempt at “suicide by police.”
Police said officers responded to a 911 call reporting an armed person near a park in northeast Austin. Investigators later determined the call came from the teen’s own phone and that the object in his waistband was a water bottle, not a firearm, as officers had believed.
Three officers who fired their weapons remain on paid administrative leave pending investigation.
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Several council members issued statements over the weekend, expressing grief over the teen’s death and pressing for a full accounting of what happened.
Council Member Vanessa Fuentes, who represents District 2, said her “heart” breaks for the teen’s family, adding that gun violence “especially at the hands of those meant to protect us, demands answers and accountability.”
She said she is committed to working to ensure a thorough investigation that considers mental health resources that could prevent similar tragedies.
Council Member José Velásquez of District 3 echoed that sentiment, saying every family “deserves answers” and that the community deserves confirmation that officers responded with compassion and de-escalation.
He said his office will work with the Office of Police Oversight and the Austin Police Department to pursue transparency and accountability.
District 6 Council Member Krista Laine offered her condolences and said she is committed, along with colleagues, to seeking “a full and transparent accounting of what happened.”
Council Member Zohaib “Zo” Qadri of District 9 said he had “more questions than answers” after reviewing body camera footage of the shooting.
Qadri said the tragedy “demands answers,” accountability and a public safety system that prioritizes preserving life. He called for the prompt release of evidence, an independent investigation and reforms, and questioned whether officers exhausted every option to de-escalate the situation and whether medical aid was provided quickly enough.
“This tragedy demands more than condolences,” Qadri said.
Austin police have not released the teen’s name.
The department said it is conducting both a criminal investigation, in coordination with the Travis County District Attorney’s Office, and an internal administrative review with oversight from the Office of Police Oversight.
If you or someone you know is struggling with thoughts of suicide, help is available by calling or texting the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.