AUSTIN, Texas — A shooting at the Austin Central Library this afternoon left one person injured and a suspect in custody, according to Austin police. Authorities emphasized that the incident was isolated and not an active shooter event. The victim is reported to be in critical but stable condition, raising concerns among library patrons about safety.
Scott Tunner, an Austin resident, was walking around the library when the shooting happened. He did not hear anything, but he saw a many police cars, and sirens everywhere.
“I was coming back inside and there’s like 50 people kind of coming out through all three doors,” he said.
Another witness reported seeing a man exiting the library with blood coming from his stomach.
PREVIOUS COVERAGE: One injured, suspect in custody after shooting at Austin Central Library
Assistant Chief Lee Rogers confirmed the suspect was apprehended around 1:25 p.m. in South Austin after fleeing the scene.
“We do have a suspect in custody at this time,” Rogers said, adding that there is no ongoing threat to the community.
In response to the incident, Mayor Watson expressed gratitude on social media for the swift actions of library employees and first responders.
“Public spaces and city-owned facilities should be a safe place for everyone,” he stated.
The shooting has prompted discussions about security measures at the library. “‘Im sure it makes everybody feel a little bit uneasy,” Tunner said. “I’m surprised that they don’t have like a metal detector as you walk through.”
The Austin Public Library was closed for the remainder of the day following the incident.