‘This must end’: Leaders react to mass shooting in downtown Austin

AUSTIN (KXAN) — After an overnight shooting that left three people dead and at least 14 more injured, Austin and Texas leaders are reacting to the violence that took place on West Sixth Street at a popular bar.

The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) said it was providing assistance but did not have any additional information or statements to share.

Below are the statements local and state leaders shared in response to the shooting:

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott

“Texas mourns with the families and loved ones of those who were horrifically killed in last night’s attack in Austin. Cecilia and I pray for them, and we pray for the swift recovery of those who were injured. I have been in contact with Mayor Watson and DPS Director Martin and have offered the full support of the State of Texas to ensure all assistance and resources are deployed. This act of violence will not define us, nor will it shake the resolve of Texans. To anyone who thinks about using the current conflict in the Middle East to threaten Texans or our critical infrastructure, understand this clearly: Texas will respond with decisive and overwhelming force to protect our state. I also directed the Texas Department of Public Safety and Texas National Guard to intensify patrols and surveillance. Texas is relentlessly working with our federal partners to ensure every necessary resource is deployed to defend our communities. And today, I directed the DPS to increase patrols and add law enforcement personnel in the 6th Street District in downtown Austin during weekends. We must ensure enough boots on the ground to discourage criminal activity. Texans are strong. We will not be intimidated, and we will not be terrorized. We will defend our state without hesitation.”

Austin Mayor Kirk Watson

During a briefing early Sunday morning, Austin Mayor Kirk Watson shared condolences for the victims and thanked first responders for rushing to the scene.

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

Travis County District Attorney’s Office

“We are heartbroken for all the shooting victims and our community impacted by this senseless violence. We are grateful for the courageous response from first responders, who undoubtedly saved lives. We are in touch with our law enforcement partners to support the investigation,” the Travis County District Attorney’s Office said.

CAIR-Texas and Austin Muslim Community

“CAIR-Texas and the Austin Muslim community extend our condolences to the families of the victims killed in this horrific mass shooting in our city and pray that God grants a full recovery to those injured. CAIR-Texas unequivocally condemns this act of violence and all acts of unjust violence anywhere in our country and around the world, regardless of the perpetrator or the motivation. We also reject any efforts to ascribe collective blame or punishment to entire communities or faiths based on the actions of individual criminals. While a single person carried out this heinous attack last night, hundreds of thousands of Texas Muslims finished their night prayers and headed to their homes while calling on God for global peace and justice. We encourage elected officials, law enforcement, faith leaders, and community members to come together to support the families of the victims and reaffirm our shared commitment to public safety. In this time of mourning, our communities must unite in compassion and resilience, standing together for justice, understanding, and peace.“

Texas Senator Charles Schwertner

Texas Senator Charles Schwertner (R-District 5) says he will call a hearing of the Business and Commerce Committee to discuss plans to protect Texas from “terrorism.”

He said on X, in part, “My prayers are with the victims, their families, and the entire community devastated by this evil act. Terrorism, whether radical Islamist or any other hateful ideology, will not be tolerated in Texas. We will not allow these threats to endanger our people and our........

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