Texas Leaders Respond to Deadly Austin Sixth Street Shooting

Local, state and federal officials react after a deadly mass shooting in downtown Austin, urging action and offering condolences.

Austin Mayor Kirk Watson provides a briefing on the mass shooting that occurred early Sunday morning March 1, 2026 near West Sixth Street and Nueces in downtown Austin.
Ricardo B. Brazziell/Austin American-Statesman

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott on Sunday said the state will respond with “decisive and overwhelming force” in response to any threat following the mass shooting in downtown Austin that left three people dead and 14 others injured.

The shooting early Sunday outside Buford’s bar on West Sixth Street prompted an ongoing investigation involving local, state and federal authorities, including the FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force. Officials have said it is too early to determine a motive but that evidence found at the scene suggests a potential nexus to terrorism. Abbott and other Texas leaders responded Sunday with a mix of condolences, security measures and renewed calls for action.

“Texas mourns with the families and loved ones of those who were horrifically killed in last night’s attack in Austin,” he said. “Cecilia and I pray for them, and we pray for the swift recovery of those who were injured.”

Abbott said he has been in contact with Austin Mayor Kirk Watson and Texas Department of Public Safety Director Steven McCraw, and that the state is offering resources to assist local authorities.

“Texans are strong,” Abbott said in a statement. “We will not be intimidated, and we will not be terrorized. We will defend our state without hesitation.”

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

The governor also announced several security measures, including activating Texas Military Department service members under Operation Fury Shield to work with state and federal partners to protect critical infrastructure. He said patrols have been increased at energy facilities, ports and along the border, with expanded cybersecurity monitoring and aerial surveillance.

Abbott also directed DPS to increase patrols and law enforcement presence in Austin’s Sixth Street district during weekends.

Legislators abhor gun violence, call for action

U.S. Rep. Greg Casar, D-Austin, said he was “horrified and heartbroken” by the shooting and called for renewed efforts to address gun violence.

“We must end America’s gun violence epidemic,” Casar wrote on social media. “Americans should be able to have fun at a bar without it turning into an unspeakable nightmare like this one — and I will redouble my efforts in Congress to prevent the next tragedy like this.”

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

U.S. Rep. Lloyd Doggett echoed that sentiment, saying he and his wife are “mourning and praying” for the victims and thanking first responders for their swift response.

“Gun violence is preventable,” Doggett said. “This devastating loss of life was preventable. Until Republicans find the courage to say no to the NRA, our country will be plagued with more tragedies.”

Several Democratic members of the Texas House signed a joint statement condemning gun violence and thanking first responders.

The statement was signed by John Bucy, Sheryl Cole, Lulu Flores, Vikki Goodwin, Gina Hinojosa, Donna Howard, James Talarico and Erin Zwiener.

“Gun violence continues to steal the lives of far too many Texans,” the statement said. “Our hearts are with the victims of today’s shooting and their families. We will never stop fighting for them.”

Local officials grieve

Police investigate the site of a shooting on west 6th street in Downtown Austin, Texas on Sunday, March 1, 2026.
Aaron E. Martinez/Austin American-Statesman

Through press conferences on Sunday morning, Austin Mayor Kirk Watson continually praised first responders, saying their rapid response likely saved lives.

“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.”

Council member Zohaib “Zo” Qadri, whose district includes downtown, said he was “deeply shaken and heartbroken” and has been in contact with local, state and federal law enforcement as the investigation continues. City Council member Vanessa Fuentes said the city was “shaken, grieving and looking for answers,” while Mayor Pro Tem Chito Vela also thanked first responders for their quick action.

Travis County District Attorney José Garza also offered condolences, saying his office is working with law enforcement partners.

“We are heartbroken for all the shooting victims and our community impacted by this senseless violence,” Garza said. “We are grateful for the courageous response from first responders, who undoubtedly saved lives.”

FBI agents investigate a shooting at Buford's on west 6th street in Downtown Austin, Texas on Sunday, March 1, 2026.
Aaron E. Martinez/Austin American-Statesman

Officials have urged anyone with information, photos or video related to the shooting to contact Austin police as the investigation remains ongoing.