Austin opens Victim Assistance Center for those affected by 6th Street mass shooting

The center will provide services from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday at 1520 Rutherford Lane, Building 4.

AUSTIN, Texas — The city of Austin has opened a Victim Assistance Center for those affected by the mass shooting on West Sixth Street that happened early Sunday morning. 

The center will provide services from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday the Austin Police Department’s recruiting facility, located at 1520 Rutherford Lane, Building 4.

Available services include spiritual care, crisis counseling, behavioral and mental health support, therapy animals, and assistance with reclaiming personal items left at the crime scene.  

“Traumatic events like the one that occurred Sunday morning have significant impacts, both seen and unseen,” Austin Police Chief Lisa Davis said in a statement. “A Victim Assistance Center can provide support to victims, their families, and their friends in both the short and long term. From coordinating mental health services and counseling to offering financial assistance for expenses resulting from the crime, the city will have resources available to help. We encourage anyone who experienced this incident in any capacity to access the services they need.”  

Police said the area around Buford’s, where the shooting occurred, was closed following the incident for evidence collection. Those who may have left personal belongings behind can retrieve them at the Victim Assistance Center.  

Officials ask the public not to bring food donations or personal pets, as licensed comfort animals will be on-site.  

Those unable to visit the center in person can contact APD’s Victim Services at 512-974-5037. Calls will be answered 24 hours a day for a limited time to ensure support remains accessible to all impacted individuals.  

For more information on mental health resources available following the Sixth Street shooting, click here.