Austin mass shooting: 1 suspect in custody, another still at large in 6th Street attack

AUSTIN (KXAN) — Austin police confirmed Saturday afternoon one suspect is in custody and another is still at large in connection with a mass shooting in downtown Austin that left at least 14 people hurt early Saturday morning.

Police thanked the U.S. Marshals Lone Star Fugitive Task Force for partnering with them to make the arrest.

Earlier on Saturday, Austin police identified two suspects in connection with the shooting on East 6th Street.

During a briefing, Interim Police Chief Joseph Chacon said the shooting happened at 400 E. 6th Street, which is near Trinity Street. There are many bars in the area. The initial 911 call about shots fired came in at about 1:24 a.m. and was followed by many more.

Chacon said 11 people are receiving treatment at one hospital, while one victim went to a separate hospital, another received treatment at an emergency room and another self-transported. There are no deaths to report at this time.

Two of these patients are in critical condition, according to Chacon. Most victims are said to be innocent bystanders.

Earlier in the day, Chacon could only share a vague description of one suspect. He said the man may be a Black man with a "skinny" build and locs-style hair. A motive for the shooting is not yet known.

Chacon said the shooting appears to be isolated just to that area in downtown.

"This does appear to be an isolated incident between two parties," Chacon said.

He said his officers rushed six patients to the hospital in their patrol vehicles, while Austin-Travis County EMS paramedics ended up taking four. Three were transported in personal vehicles, police said.

Police explained officers took some victims in patrol cars, because the size of the large crowd on 6th Street and the chaotic scene made it difficult for EMS and the Austin Fire Department to get to the area. Chacon credited his officers, who were working in five shifts, for applying first aid and tourniquets to save some of the victims.

"We were in line to a get into a bar on Sixth Street," said witness Matt Perlstein. "Everything was totally fine."

Perlstein said there was a large police presence all night, because there were so many people out in the area — then he said, they heard the gunshots.

"We just heard like nine — a bunch — of gunshots going off. Everyone got on the ground. We couldn't even comprehend what was going on at the time."

"It was pretty surreal," witness David Frost said. "You couldn't even fathom something like that would happen outside."

The incident is not believed to be connected to the ROT Rally, which was also happening downtown, Chacon said Saturday.

Chacon said the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Texas DPS are assisting with the investigation.

In a statement Saturday morning, Austin Mayor Steve Adler said in part: "APD and the City Council have initiated multiple violence prevention efforts in response- but this crisis requires a broader, coordinated response from all levels of government. One thing is clear - greater access to firearms does not equal greater public safety."

In a final statement early Saturday afternoon, Chief Chacon explained APD would not stop searching for those responsible.

"We're gonna solve this case," Chacon said. "We're not going to spare any resources, any time. We've called in all of our resources to begin working on it, they are dedicated to getting this done and we are actively working to those responsible in custody."

Anyone with information about the shooting is asked to call 911 or (512) 472-TIPS.

KXAN will work to provide additional updates, as more details are shared.