Three people are dead and 17 others were injured in a mass shooting early Sunday at Buford’s bar on West Sixth Street in downtown Austin, officials said.
Among the dead was a suspected gunman who was shot by officers, officials said during a news conference Sunday morning.
Police Chief Lisa Davis said officers found an active shooter when they arrived at the scene.
“Three of our officers returned fire, killing the suspect,” Davis said.
Davis said that police were promptly able to respond to the shooting due to their presence on East Sixth Street, the city’s liveliest strip of bars and restaurants. She did not immediately offer a more detailed timeline of events.
Austin EMS Chief Rob Luckritz said that three of the 14 individuals taken to hospitals were in critical condition.
The FBI has joined the Austin Police Department in the investigation into the shooting, authorities confirmed. As of 5:30 a.m., police were processing an expansive scene, including trying to collect security video in the area and talking to any patrons or witnesses inside and outside the bar.
Mayor Kirk Watson praised first responders for their prompt arrival at the scene.
“I’m very thankful for the speed with which our officials responded to this,” Watson said. “I don’t think there’s any question: it saved lives.”
A few employees of Buford’s were gathered outside at 5 a.m. but declined to comment. A former manager, Scott Yancy, hugged one of the workers and burst out in tears.
Yancy said no one at Buford’s had been injured.
“I’m so glad everyone is OK,” Yancy said.
— This is a developing story; check back for updates.