A mass shooting at a bar in Austin is being investigated as a possible act of terrorism after “indicators” were found on the gunman and in his vehicle, according to the FBI.
The shooting at Buford’s Backyard Beer Garden in the Texas city’s entertainment district left three people dead, including the shooter, and at least 14 others wounded.
The suspect, whose name was not immediately released, drove past the bar several times before stopping and shooting a pistol out the window of his SUV at people on a patio and in front of the bar, Austin Police Chief Lisa Davis said at a news conference Sunday.
The gunman then parked his vehicle, got out with a rifle, and began shooting at people walking in the area before officers who ran to the intersection shot him, Davis said.
The FBI said it is investigating whether the shooting was act of terrorism because of “indicators” found on the gunman and in his vehicle. The agency didn’t elaborate on what items were found.
“It’s still too early to make a determination on that,” Alex Doran, the acting agent in charge of the FBI’s San Antonio office, said.
The shooting happened outside Buford’s just before 2 a.m. along the Sixth Street, a nightlife destination filled with bars and music clubs and only a few miles from the University of Texas.
Police were already nearby when they got reports of a shooting and raced to the scene.
EMS Chief Robert Luckritz said emergency workers were at the scene of the shooting less than a minute after receiving a call for assistance.
He confirmed that three people were found dead at the scene and that 14 others had been wounded. Three of the injured were admitted to regional hospitals in critical condition.
Austin Mayor Kirk Watson praised the speedy response 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.
“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 on Sunday morning, 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 Associated Press contributed to this report.
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