At least three people were killed and 14 others injured in a shooting at an Austin bar early Sunday that is being investigated for possible terrorism ties, authorities said.
Officers responded to reports of a shooting at Buford’s bar, a popular beer garden downtown, at about 1:58 a.m., according to Austin Police Chief Lisa Davis. The early investigation shows that a suspect circled the block around the bar several times in an SUV before the shooting, she said at a news conference.
“At one point, he put his flashers on, pulled down his window and began using a pistol shooting out of his car windows, striking patrons of the bar that were on the patio, and out in front of the bar,” Davis said.
The suspect then parked the car and walked out with a rifle, shooting some people who were walking by, Davis said. As he walked along West Sixth Street, Davis said, officers encountered the suspect.
He was shot and killed by officers at that time, the chief said. The suspect was not identified by police.
Alex Doran, a special agent with the San Antonio FBI field office, told reporters that the federal agency is working with local police on the investigation.
“There were indicators that on the subject and in his vehicle that indicate potential nexus to terrorism,” Doran said. “Again, it’s still too early to make a determination on that.”
Investigators are trying to determine whether or not the shooting was the result of an act of terrorism or an individual with mental illness, four people briefed on the matter told NBC News.
Those people say that the gunman is a naturalized citizen from Senegal who has been in the United States for 15 years. They added that the information is based on the preliminary investigation and can change as the investigation proceeds today.
One of the people familiar with the matter told NBC News that the early stages of the investigation appear to show that the suspect was a lone actor with no state ties.
No other details regarding the suspect’s identity or potential terrorism ties were provided. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives is also taking part in the investigation.
Buford’s is in the downtown area, just 2 miles from the heart of Austin’s University of Texas campus and less than a mile from the Texas Capitol building.
Robert Luckritz, chief of the county’s emergency medical services, said three people were killed in the shooting. Another 14 were transported to hospitals, three of whom are in critical condition, he said.
Paramedics were already positioned in the entertainment district at the time of the shooting, according to Luckritz.
“We received the call at 1:59 a.m., and within 57 seconds, the first paramedics and officers were on scene actively treating the patients,” he said.
Austin Mayor Kirk Watson credited both police and paramedics for moving quickly after first receiving reports of shots fired.
“I want to say ... that I’m very thankful for the speed with which our public safety officials responded to this,” Watson said. “I don’t think there’s any question that has saved lives.”
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott prayed for the recovery of all the victims in a statement Sunday, adding that the entire state mourns for those who were killed.
"This act of violence will not define us, nor will it shake the resolve of Texans," Abbott said.
Though any potential terror ties have yet to be confirmed, Abbott warned anyone who "thinks about using the current conflict in the Middle East to threaten Texans" that the state will protect its citizens. Abbott appears to refer to the joint military operations between the U.S. and Israeli governments against Iran, killing the country's supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
"Patrols have been increased at vital energy facilities, ports, and along our border," Abbott said. "We have bolstered cybersecurity personnel and deployed unmanned aerial surveillance to monitor and protect critical infrastructure sites."
Texas lawmakers offered their condolences and support to Austin officials in the wake of the shooting, including Sen. John Cornyn, R-TX, who said he talked to Watson to offer assistance.
Cornyn wrote on X that he was proud of the "lifesaving speed" from police and emergency medical services.
"Pray for the families of the dead and injured," Cornyn said.
Rep. Wesley Hunt, R-TX, and Democratic state representative James Talarico also responded to the shooting on social media. Both men are currently among those campaigning for Cornyn's seat in this year's election.
Hunt said in a post on X that he and his wife were praying for the victims and their families.
"We are grateful for the swift and courageous response of law enforcement, whose quick action stopped the threat and prevented even greater tragedy," Hunt said.
Talarico appeared to refer to inaction around gun control legislation in his own post on X, saying that "we must act."
"America is praying for Austin," Talarico said. "But there is something profoundly cynical about asking God to solve a problem we're not willing to solve ourselves. God moves and works through us."
