The shooting suspect, who was not named, also died, according to authorities.
The FBI on March 1 stated that its terrorism task force has joined an investigation into a shooting at an Austin, Texas, bar that left multiple casualties.
Police in Austin stated that an armed male opened fire outside a bar, leaving two dead and 14 others wounded, including three who were critically injured. Officers killed the shooter, who has not yet been identified, according to police.
“We extend our deepest condolences to the families and loved ones of those who lost their lives in this tragic incident and thank the Austin Police Department for their swift response in addressing the threat,” the FBI said in a statement on X, noting that its “Joint Terrorism Task Force is jointly investigating this incident in close coordination with the Austin Police Department.”
The gunman drove past the bar multiple times before stopping and firing a gun out of the window, Austin Police Chief Lisa Davis told reporters. He then parked the vehicle, got out with a rifle, and began shooting at people walking in the area before officers who had rushed to the intersection shot him.
Alex Doran, an FBI official, told reporters during a press conference on March 1 that the shooter’s motivation has not been established. However, he said that evidence found on the individual and in his vehicle suggested a “potential nexus to terrorism.”
“It’s still too early to make a determination on that,” Doran said.
The FBI stated on X that the shooting is under active investigation and that more information will be shared at a later date. Anyone who has information about the incident should contact the federal law enforcement agency, it noted.
The shooting happened outside Buford’s Backyard Beer Garden just before 2 a.m. along Sixth Street, a nightlife destination filled with bars and music clubs and only a few miles from the University of Texas.
The school’s president, Jim Davis, said on social media that some of those impacted included “members of our Longhorn family“ and that ”our prayers are with the victims and all those impacted.”
