Three people have been killed and another 14 were wounded following a mass shooting at a bar in Austin, Texas.
Austin Police Chief Lisa Davis said on Sunday morning that officers received a report that a shooting had taken place at Buford's, a popular beer garden. She said the shooter was described as male.
The shooter reportedly was wielding a handgun and an assault rifle, according to the Austin American-Statesman.
Police were already nearby because the shooting occurred in a part of town popular for its nightlife.
“Officers immediately transitioned, came over East Sixth to West Sixth Street and were faced with the individual with a gun, and three of our officers returned fire, killing the suspect," Davis said during a press briefing.
As of this report, none of the victims have been identified. The shooter's identity and motives are also still unknown.
When officers arrived at the scene they confronted an armed man who was reportedly firing his weapons.
EMS Chief Robert Luckritz confirmed that three people were found dead at the scene of the shooting and tat 14 others had been injured. Three of the injured were admitted to regional hospitals in critical condition.
Luckritz said that emergency workers were at the scene of the shooting less than a minute after receiving a call for assistance.
Austin Mayor Kirk Watson praised the speedy responders during the press conference.
“Our hearts go out to the people that are victims of this. And I want to again reiterate my thanks to our public safety officers and officials that so rapidly were on the scene,” Watson said. “They definitely saved lives.”
The FBI is joining with the Austin Police Department to investigate the shooting, according to local officials.
“This is a tragic, tragic incident,” Davis said. “Our federal partners are here, as well as others, and this will be a scene that will take several hours to process.”
Police were still examining the scene as of 5:30 a.m., according to the Austin American-Statesman. Some officers were reportedly gathering surveillance video from the area of the shooting and collecting witness statements from those still at the scene.
A former Buford's manager told the paper that none of the restaurant's staff were injured in the attack.
The shooting occurred in Austin's entertainment district around 2 a.m. as many were wrapping up at the bars and clubs and preparing to head home for the evening, police said.
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