Several Texas and national lawmakers are weighing in on the mass shooting in Austin that claimed the lives of two victims and injured 14 others.
AUSTIN, Texas — Local, state and national leaders are reacting to the shooting on 6th Street that left two people dead and 14 others injured. Police say the gunman was shot and killed.
Austin City Councilman Chito Vela
“Heartbroken to see a mass shooting on 6th Street. My deepest condolences to the victims and their families. Thanks to our police, EMS and firefighters for the quick response. Police killed the shooter and EMS was immediately treating the wounded.”
Austin City Councilman Zo Qadri
“I’m heartbroken by last night’s shooting on 6th Street. My thoughts are with the victims, their loved ones, and all impacted. Thank you to our first responders for their swift action.”
Travis County Judge Andy Brown
“This morning, I stand with our community with a shocked, horrified, and heavy heart in the wake of the devastating mass shooting on West Sixth Street. I spoke with Mayor Watson, ATCEMS Chief Luckritz, and Sheriff Hernandez, and offered any needed assistance. The investigation is ongoing. We hold close all those who have been impacted by this senseless act of violence. My heart goes out to the victims and their families. Thank you to our first responders for their quick actions, especially ATCEMS and APD, which helped prevent even more loss and brought order during a terrifying moment.”
“We must end America’s gun violence epidemic. Americans should be able to have fun at a bar without it turning into an unspeakable nightmare like this on.”
“We shouldn’t have to wake to news of such unnecessary tragedy. Life is precious. On that we can all agree. We must work much harder to protect it.”
On this Sunday morning, I ask you for prayers for the victims and impacted families of last night’s shooting in Austin.
We shouldn’t have to wake to news of such unnecessary tragedy. Life is precious. On that we can all agree. We must work much harder to protect it.
As we learn…
— Gina Hinojosa (@GinaHinojosaTX) March 1, 2026
State Sen. Sarah Eckhardt
“Our city, known for its vibrant and peaceful nightlife, experienced deadly violence again last night. My thanks go to those who intervened and my heart goes out to those injured and killed.”
“Austin is waking up to another gut-wrenching act of gun violence. My heart is broken for the victims, for their families, & for the pain afflicted on our community. I’m deeply grateful to our APD officers, EMS providers, & first responders who ran toward danger to save lives.”
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton
“We are praying for the victims of this unconscionable act of violence in Austin. Our hearts are with the victims and their friends and family, and we are praying for a swift recovery for all those who were injured in this shooting.”
Texas House Speaker Dustin Burrows
“This kind of calculated violence is meant to terrorize, to shake our sense of security and to strike fear in innocent people enjoying a night out in Texas’ capital city.”
Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett
“While thoughts and prayers offer comfort, as I head to church this morning I’m reminded that faith without works is dead. So let’s get to work.”
Former Congresswoman Gabby Giffords
“I am heartbroken by the shooting in Austin, Texas, where a night on Sixth Street ended in tragedy. In an instant, families and friends were forced to face fear and loss. My heart is with the victims, the survivors, and their loved ones. Americans deserve to feel safe in their own communities. Safety is not a privilege — it is a right. It is time for our leaders to show courage, take responsibility, and build safer communities where every family can live without fear.”