Early Sunday, a shooting at Buford’s Backyard Beer Garden, a popular bar in Austin’s entertainment district, left three people dead and 14 others wounded, including three in critical condition. The gunman, whose identity has not been released, was also found dead.
Austin Police Chief Lisa Davis said officers received reports of a man shooting at the bar. When police arrived, they confronted the armed suspect and returned fire, killing him.
FBI special agent Alex Doran said investigators have not determined a specific motive but found ‘indicators’ on the gunman and in his vehicle that suggest a possible nexus to terrorism. He added that authorities are prepared to consider the incident potentially an act of terrorism while the probe continues.
According to Davis, the suspect drove past the bar several times before opening fire from his vehicle. He then parked and walked toward the establishment, firing at patrons with a rifle.
Austin Emergency Medical Services Chief Robert Luckritz said three people were found dead at the scene. He told reporters emergency crews received the first call at 1:39 a.m. local time (0739 GMT) and that the initial paramedics and officers were on scene and treating patients within 57 seconds of the call.
Police maintained a large presence in the party neighborhood that night and were able to dispatch officers quickly as bars were closing. Austin Mayor Kirk Watson praised the speed of the public safety response, saying he was very thankful for how rapidly officials acted and that the response likely saved lives.
Investigators continue to examine the scene, the suspect’s vehicle and other evidence as they work to determine the motive and circumstances surrounding the shooting.