AUSTIN, TX — Three people are dead and 14 others were injured following a mass shooting at Buford’s on West 6th Street early Sunday, officials said. A suspect was fatally shot by police officers at the scene.
Austin-Travis County EMS Chief Robert Luckritz said paramedics received the call at 1:59 a.m. and the first responders were on scene within 57 seconds. Of the 17 total patients treated, three were pronounced dead at the scene and 14 were transported to area hospitals. Three were in critical condition.
Austin Police Chief Lisa Davis said officers who had been working the nearby East 6th Street entertainment corridor rapidly responded to the scene as bars were closing for the night.
“Officers immediately transitioned, came over East 6th to West 6th Street and were faced with the individual with a gun,” Davis said. “Three of our officers returned fire, killing the suspect.”
Austin Mayor Kirk Watson offered condolences to victims and praised the swift response of first responders.
“They definitely saved lives,” Watson said.
Davis noted that federal law enforcement partners are also involved in the investigation, and that processing the scene would take several hours. More information is expected throughout the day.
The identities of the victims and the suspect have not been released.
Authorities asked the public to avoid the area.
CBS Austin has a crew on the scene.
The investigation is ongoing.
Comment with Bubbles
BE THE FIRST TO COMMENT
This is a developing story and will be updated as more information becomes available.