FBI investigating Austin mass shooting as potential terrorism
· Axios
The FBI is investigating a deadly mass shooting in Austin as a potential act of terrorism.
The latest: The FBI wouldn't say if it was treating the early Sunday morning shooting in a downtown bar district as domestic or foreign terrorism. The incident left three dead and 14 injured.
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- "It's still way too early in the process to determine an exact motivation," said Alex Doran, the acting special agent in charge of the FBI's San Antonio field office.
Between the lines: The FBI found "indicators" on the suspect and in his vehicle that point to a "potential nexus to terrorism," Doran said at a news conference. He declined to elaborate.
- No explosives were found in the suspect's van, according to Austin Police Chief Lisa Davis.
Zoom in: Three of the 14 people hospitalized are in critical condition, EMS officials said.
- The first 911 call came around 1:58am, officials said, and the first paramedic arrived within 57 seconds.
- Davis said the suspect drove around the block multiple times then activated his flashers and shot a pistol at customers on Buford's outdoor patio on West Sixth Street.
- He then parked on another street and fired a rifle at pedestrians, Davis said. Officers shot and killed him at an intersection near East Sixth Street, according to Davis.
West Sixth Street is home to bars and restaurants and is typically crowded on weekend nights.
- It's a few blocks from Austin's historic East Sixth Street entertainment district, where Austin police and EMS have heavily increased their presence in recent years to improve safety in the area.
What they're saying: "I want to again reiterate my thanks to our public safety officers and officials that so rapidly were on the scene," Mayor Kirk Watson said in the press conference. "They definitely saved lives."
- "Today is a difficult day for our city and the university," University of Texas president Jim Davis said in a statement. "We are deeply saddened by the tragedy that occurred early this morning in downtown Austin. Our prayers are with the victims and all those impacted, including members of our Longhorn family, and my heart goes out to their families, friends, classmates, professors, and loved ones."
This is a breaking news story and will be updated.