A Night of Chaos on West Sixth Street
The violence unfolded around 1:58 a.m., when the first 911 call came in. Paramedics arrived within 57 seconds, officials said — a rapid response that city leaders credited with saving lives.
According to Davis, the suspect circled the block multiple times before switching on his hazard lights and firing a pistol at patrons seated on Buford’s outdoor patio along West Sixth Street.
He then drove to another nearby street and unleashed rifle fire on pedestrians.
Officers confronted the gunman near East Sixth Street and shot him dead at an intersection, Davis said.
West Sixth Street is lined with bars and restaurants and draws crowds of University of Texas students and visitors every weekend. It sits just blocks from Austin’s historic East Sixth Street entertainment district, where police and EMS have increased their presence in recent years to boost safety.
Of the 14 people hospitalized, three remain in critical condition, EMS officials said.
Leaders Praise First Responders
Austin Mayor Kirk Watson thanked emergency crews for their swift action.
“I want to again reiterate my thanks to our public safety officers and officials that so rapidly were on the scene,” Watson said at a news conference. “They definitely saved lives.”
University of Texas President Jim Davis also addressed the tragedy.
“Today is a difficult day for our city and the University,” he said in a statement. “We are deeply saddened by the tragedy that occurred early this morning in downtown Austin. 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.”
As investigators continue combing through evidence, the normally electric pulse of Sixth Street has fallen into uneasy silence — a corridor of neon and music now marked by grief, unanswered questions and a city waiting for clarity.
