Buford’s bar plans to reopen this weekend with increased police presence in the area, and will donate all weekend sales to victims and their families.
AUSTIN, Texas — The bar that was the site of a mass shooting this past weekend that killed three and injured 18 is set to reopen its doors to the public.
In an Instagram post Thursday, Buford’s bar confirmed that it would reopen on Friday night at 6 p.m. The post said that there will be increased police presence at Sixth and Rio Grande streets, as well as plans to implement additional safety measures, including plans to install protective glass along the beer garden, which is the area the gunman fired into from his vehicle.
The bar also said that it will donate 100% of its sales generated this Friday, Saturday and Sunday to the victims and families impacted the most by the shooting.
The post in its entirety is below:
“Over the past several days, we’ve spent time together as a team reflecting, supporting one another, and carefully considering how to move forward after the tragedy at Buford’s.
After many conversations with our staff, we’ve decided to reopen Friday, March 6th at 6 PM. 40 of our 41 team members shared they feel ready to return, and we want to support them not only emotionally, but also in their ability to provide for themselves and their families. For many, Buford’s is more than a workplace, it’s their primary source of income and a place where they feel supported and not alone. It has also long been a home for many in our community, and returning to a sense of routine and togetherness, while difficult, can be an important part of healing.
We’ve been in close coordination with law enforcement and city leadership to ensure we reopen as safely as possible. There will be an increased police presence at 6th and Rio Grande, and Rio Grande will be closed to through traffic from 6th Street to the alley from 10 PM to 4 AM on Friday and Saturday nights. We are also implementing additional safety measures, including plans to install protective glass along the beer garden moving forward.
After listening closely to our staff and reflecting on what would best support both them and our community, we believe reopening is the right step forward.
To honor those affected, we will donate 100% of all sales from Friday, Saturday, and Sunday to the victims and families most impacted by this tragedy.
We move forward with heavy hearts, deep gratitude for our team and community, and a commitment to stand together.”
The shooting occurred at around 2 a.m. on March 1. Austin Police Chief Lisa Davis said officers arrived at the scene within 57 seconds of the first 911 call and immediately began providing first aid to victims outside Buford’s bar on West Sixth Street. Investigators said the suspect drove a black Cadillac SUV when he began firing a semi-automatic pistol at people outside the bar.
The suspect then stopped near West Sixth and Wood streets and began firing an AR-15-style rifle at a pedestrian before walking toward Buford’s. Officers subsequently located the suspect, who fired at them. Officers then returned fire and shot and killed the suspect. The FBI is investigating whether the incident was tied to terrorism.
Police said Thursday that 18 people were struck by gunfire in the attack, an increase from the previously reported 16 people killed or injured. Two victims, 21-year-old Savitha Shan and 19-year-old Ryder Harrington, were pronounced dead shortly after the shooting. On March 2, a third victim, 30-year-old Jorge Pederson, who had recently moved to Austin, died at the hospital.
Two victims are still hospitalized, with one remaining in critical condition, according to Chief Davis.