Two suspects have been identified in mass shooting that left 14 people wounded, including two in critical condition, in Austin, Texas, early Saturday, city and law enforcement officials confirmed.
“The number of victims injured in this morning’s shooting on Sixth St. has risen to 14, with ‘almost all’ believed to be innocent bystanders. Two male suspects are being sought,” the city of Austin tweeted Saturday afternoon, referencing remarks made by Austin Police Chief Joseph Chacon.
According Chief Chacon, law enforcement first received reports of the shooting on the 400 block of 6th street around 1:30 a.m.
“Our officers responded very quickly,” Chacon said. “They were able to immediately begin life-saving measures for many of these patients, including applications of tourniquets; applications of chest seals and other types of first aid equipment.”
“This does appear to be an isolated incident between two parties,” he later added.
Four victims were transported to the hospital via ambulance, six were taken by law enforcement personnel and three were transported in private vehicles.
“It was very difficult to contain the scene, it was very difficult for EMS to make their way into this crowd,” Chacon said. “And because of the nature of the injuries, officers had to go ahead and use their police vehicles to put some of these shooting victims into their vehicles and transport them themselves.”
KXAN News tweeted video of Austin police carrying a victim of away from the scene in the aftermath of the shooting.
Tony Plohetski, senior report for KVUE News, also shared video of the aftermath of the shooting showing officers administering first aid to a victim.
USA Today reported that one witness was at a nearby bar when he heard gunshots ring out.
“I only heard them from a single weapon and then everyone started running in different directions,” he said. “People were freaking out a lot, and there were some people crying, but most people were just freaking out.
The City of Austin is urging anyone with information on the incident to contact city law enforcement.
“Anyone with information about the incident, including video footage, is urged to call 911 immediately,” the city tweeted. “Information can be provided anonymously by calling 512-472-TIPS.”
The shooting comes after the Texas legislature passed a “Constitutional carry” bill that would allow eligible residents over age 21 to carry a firearm, either openly or concealed, without needing a permit. The legislation is awaiting Gov. Greg Abbott’s signature.
