Shortly before 2 a.m. Central Time, Austin police were called to Buford’s Backyard Beer Garden following reports of gunfire. The bustling area, known for its nightlife, became the scene of chaos as a gunman began his attack.

According to Austin Police Chief Lisa Davis, the suspect was observed driving a large SUV around the vicinity multiple times. Eventually, he stopped the vehicle, activated its hazard lights, and commenced firing a handgun from outside the bar.

After parking near Wood Street, the shooter exited the SUV, continuing his violent spree with a pistol and later switching to a rifle as he moved eastward along Sixth Street. Fortunately, law enforcement officers stationed nearby responded swiftly, engaging the shooter and ultimately fatally wounding him.

Chief Davis confirmed that the suspect never entered Buford’s bar, inflicting harm solely from an external position. Investigators are diligently processing evidence from the scene, including the SUV and surveillance footage from nearby businesses. Only two firearms, a pistol and a rifle, have been recovered in connection with the incident.

Davis said the suspect never entered Buford’s bar but fired shots from outside the building. She said evidence from the SUV and nearby businesses is still being processed and confirmed that only two weapons, a pistol and a rifle, were recovered. 

Fourteen patients were located at the scene and taken to nearby hospitals, and two victims were pronounced dead on scene. Three of those hospitalized remain in critical condition. 

The FBI Joint Terrorism Task Force has joined the investigation based on preliminary evidence found on the scene.   

FBI Acting Special Agent in Charge Alex Doran confirmed that indicators inside the suspect’s SUV suggested a possible terrorism link. Authorities later cleared those items as non-threatening but said the investigation into motive continues. 

EMT crews were also stationed in the area, which allowed paramedics to respond in under a minute. 

“I am very thankful for the speed with which our public safety officials responded to this,” Austin Mayor Kirk Watson said Sunday morning. “I don’t think there’s any question that it saved lives.” 

Watson said he will continue to update the public throughout the day as more details become available.

This breaking news story is developing will be updated as information is confirmed. 

This story was first reported by KVUE, a TEGNA station based in Austin, Texas.