Gov. Greg Abbott warned that Texas will respond with \u201cdecisive and overwhelming force\u201d following the deadly shooting on Austin\u2019s Sixth Street and ordered expanded patrols in downtown Austin as part of a broader statewide security posture.<\/p>\n
Two victims were killed and 14 others injured in the early-morning attack on March 1. The suspect was shot and killed by Austin police officers at the scene, bringing the total number of fatalities to three, as previously reported by The Dallas Express<\/a>.<\/p>\n \u201cTexas mourns with the families and loved ones of those who were horrifically killed in last night\u2019s attack in Austin,\u201d Abbott said. \u201cCecilia and I pray for them, and we pray for the swift recovery of those who were injured. I have been in contact with Mayor Watson and DPS Director Martin and have offered the full support of the State of Texas to ensure all assistance and resources are deployed.\u201d<\/p>\n Abbott directly referenced the broader geopolitical conflict while warning against threats to the state.<\/p>\n \u201cThis act of violence will not define us, nor will it shake the resolve of Texans. To anyone who thinks about using the current conflict in the Middle East to threaten Texans or our critical infrastructure, understand this clearly: Texas will respond with decisive and overwhelming force to protect our state.\u201d<\/p>\n Operation Fury Shield Expansion<\/p>\n Abbott confirmed<\/a> that he activated service members under Operation Fury Shield<\/a> the day before the attack and said security measures are already in place.<\/p>\n \u201cYesterday I directed the Texas Military Department to activate service members under Operation Fury Shield to work alongside state and federal partners to safeguard our communities and critical infrastructure. Patrols have been increased at vital energy facilities, ports, and along our border. We have bolstered cybersecurity personnel and deployed unmanned aerial surveillance to monitor and protect critical infrastructure sites.\u201d<\/p>\n He also directed additional enforcement through state agencies.<\/p>\n \u201cI also directed the Texas Department of Public Safety and Texas National Guard to intensify patrols and surveillance. Texas is relentlessly working with our federal partners to ensure every necessary resource is deployed to defend our communities.\u201d<\/p>\n Increased Law Enforcement On Sixth Street<\/p>\n Abbott separately ordered an expanded law enforcement presence in Austin\u2019s entertainment district following the shooting.<\/p>\n \u201cAnd today, I directed the DPS to increase patrols and add law enforcement personnel in the 6th Street District in downtown Austin during weekends. We must ensure enough boots on the ground to discourage criminal activity.\u201d<\/p>\n