3 dead in Austin 6th Street shooting at Buford's bar: What we know

An Austin police officer guards the scene on West 6th Street at West Avenue after a shooting on on Sunday March 1, 2026.
Ricardo B. Brazziell/Austin American-Statesman

Three people are dead, and 14 others were injured in a mass shooting early Sunday outside Buford’s bar on West Sixth Street in downtown Austin, according to authorities.

Among those killed was the suspected gunman, who police said was shot by officers at the scene.

Austin police responded to reports of an active shooter outside Buford’s bar on West Sixth Street early Sunday morning.

Police Chief Lisa Davis said officers arrived to find an active shooter.

“Three of our officers returned fire, killing the suspect,” Davis said during a Sunday morning news conference.

Authorities have not yet released a detailed timeline of how the shooting unfolded.

Officials said three people died in the shooting, including the suspected gunman.

Austin-Travis County EMS Chief Rob Luckritz said 17 people in total were shot and 14 people were taken to local hospitals. Three of those patients were reported to be in critical condition.

Authorities have not yet released the names of the victims.

Police respond to reports of a mass shooting on west 6th street in Downtown Austin, Texas on Sunday, March 1, 2026.
Aaron E. Martinez/Austin American-Statesman

Authorities have not released the identity of the suspected gunman.

Officials have not said whether the suspect had any known connection to the victims or the bar.

Davis said officers were able to respond quickly because of their presence nearby on East Sixth Street, one of Austin’s busiest nightlife areas.

Mayor Kirk Watson praised first responders for their rapid response.

“I’m very thankful for the speed with which our officials responded to this,” Watson said. “I don’t think there’s any question: it saved lives.”

Police respond to reports of a mass shooting on west 6th street in Downtown Austin, Texas on Sunday, March 1, 2026.
Aaron E. Martinez/Austin American-Statesman

The FBI has joined the Austin Police Department in investigating the shooting.

Authorities said the FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force is assisting based on preliminary evidence recovered at the scene.

Law enforcement officials familiar with the investigation said the shooter is believed to have used a pistol and an assault-style rifle in the attack.

As of about 5:30 a.m., officers were still processing a large crime scene. Investigators were collecting security video from the area and interviewing patrons and witnesses inside and outside the bar.