Two people were killed and 14 others wounded in a mass shooting early Sunday outside a bar in Austin, Texas, being investigated as a potential act of terrorism, authorities said.
Responding police officers shot and killed the gunman, who has not been publicly identified.
“In terms of specifically what type of terrorism, we’re just at this point prepared to say that it was potentially an act of terrorism,” FBI San Antonio leader Chris Doran said at a press conference.
“Indicators” on the suspect and in his vehicle suggested the possible terrorist motive, Doran said, but he did not elaborate further.
The victims have not been publicly identified. Three of the survivors were in critical condition at local hospitals in the immediate aftermath, officials said.
AP Photo/Jack Myer
The Austin Police Department and the FBI investigate a shooting at Buford’s on 6th Street on Sunday in Austin, Texas. (AP Photo/Jack Myer)
The attacker drove past Buford’s Backyard Beer Garden on Sixth Street, a popular nightlife area in Austin’s capital city, several times early Sunday, according to police. On one of his final passes, he opened fire from the vehicle with a pistol just before 2 a.m.
He then parked the vehicle, stepped out with a rifle and started shooting at people walking in the area and in front of the bar, Austin Police Chief Lisa Davis said. Officers then responded to the scene and fatally shot the suspect.
“I’m very thankful for the speed with which our public safety officials responded to this,” Austin Mayor Kirk Watson said. “I don’t think there’s any question that it saved lives.”
The shooting occurred just a couple miles from the University of Texas’ campus and the school’s president said members of the school community were among those affected.
“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,” school president Jim Davis said. “I want to express my gratitude to the first responders and medical teams whose actions helped protect and save lives.”
The Austin shooting occurred the same night as another mass shooting in Cincinnati, in which nine people were wounded at a music venue, according to authorities.
With News Wire Services
