A mass shooting at an Austin bar injured 14 people and left three dead, including the suspect.

A shooter opened fire at Buford’s Bar on Sixth Street, in downtown Austin, just before 2 a.m. on March 1 – killing two victims and injuring 14 others, officials said in a press conference. Officers with the Austin Police Department responded, then shot and killed the suspect. 

“Our hearts go out to the people that are victims of this,” said Austin Mayor Kirk Watson. “I want to again reiterate my thanks to our public safety officers and officials that so rapidly were on the scene. They definitely saved lives.”

Austin police asked residents searching for loved ones to call 512-974-5037. The FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force has joined the initial investigation, according to KVUE Reporter Tony Plohetski. 

Responders received the initial call at 1:59 a.m., according to Austin-Travis County EMS Chief Robert Luckritz. He said they arrived within 57 seconds. 

APD Chief Lisa Davis said officers responded from down the street, then confronted the armed suspect.  

“Three of our officers returned fire, killing the suspect,” she said. “This is a tragic, tragic incident.”

In total, police and paramedics found 17 patients – three dead and 14 wounded, according to Luckritz. 

“Of the 14 patients that were transported to the hospital, three were in critical condition,” he said. “Our condolences go out to everyone who was involved.”

Officials plan to update the public as soon as they learn new information, but the scene will take several hours to process, according to Davis. 

“This is a situation that we are going to be talking about probably all day,” she said. 

Videos of the shooting began circulating on social media. WARNING – GRAPHIC CONTENT.

Investigators had not yet confirmed the shooter’s motive at the time of publication. This is a developing story, and The Dallas Express will continue to monitor new developments.