Austin, Texas – A mass shooting on West Sixth Street early Sunday morning has left three people dead and 18 others injured, according to Austin Police Department (APD) officials. The incident, which unfolded in a popular entertainment district, has prompted a large-scale investigation, including involvement from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), who are examining potential links to terrorism. The revised injury count, up from an initial report of 16, underscores the scale of the violence that unfolded in the heart of the city.
The victims have been identified as Savitha Shan, 21, a student at the University of Texas at Austin. Ryder Harrington, 19, who recently graduated from Westwood High School; and Jorge Pederson, 30, who had recently relocated to Austin. Shan and Harrington were pronounced dead at the scene, while Pederson succumbed to his injuries on Monday, March 2nd. One victim remains in critical condition at a local hospital, while another is still receiving treatment. The shooting occurred outside Buford’s bar, a well-known establishment on West Sixth Street, and quickly escalated as the suspect engaged officers.
Timeline of the Shooting and Police Response
According to Austin Police Chief Lisa Davis, officers arrived on the scene within 57 seconds of receiving the first 911 call. They immediately began providing first aid to the injured while confronting the suspect, who initially fired upon patrons with a semi-automatic pistol. The suspect then moved further down the street, near West Sixth and Wood Streets, and discharged an AR-15-style rifle at a pedestrian before approaching Buford’s. At approximately 2:03 a.m., officers located the suspect, who opened fire on them. Officers returned fire, fatally shooting the suspect.
Chief Davis confirmed that the department had no prior criminal interactions with the suspect. However, she revealed that the suspect had been involved in a mental health call in New York in 2022, where he was offered access to mental health resources but was not taken into custody. The investigation is ongoing to determine the suspect’s motives and any potential connections to extremist ideologies.
FBI Investigation and Potential Terrorism Link
The FBI is actively investigating the shooting as a potential act of terrorism, according to Acting Special Agent-in-Charge Alex Doran. Federal investigators are scrutinizing the suspect’s background and criminal history to ascertain if there is any connection to terrorist organizations or ideologies. While Chief Davis has not provided an update on the terrorism investigation, the FBI’s involvement highlights the seriousness with which authorities are treating the incident. The guns used in the shooting were obtained legally, Davis stated.
The investigation into the suspect’s background is crucial, particularly given the potential for a terrorism connection. Understanding the suspect’s motivations and any affiliations will be key to preventing similar incidents in the future. The FBI’s expertise in counterterrorism investigations will be invaluable in this process.
Victim Profiles and Community Grief
The deaths of Shan, Harrington, and Pederson have sent shockwaves through the Austin community. Savitha Shan, a 21-year-classic University of Texas at Austin student, was described by UT President Jim Davis as “a child of loving parents, a loyal friend to many, a Longhorn preparing to change the world.” Her parents released a statement calling her a “bright, compassionate, and deeply caring young woman.”
Ryder Harrington, 19, was a 2024 graduate of Westwood High School and a former member of the school’s baseball team. Texas Tech University confirmed that Harrington was enrolled in the Fall 2025 semester but was not currently a student. The university expressed its condolences to his family and friends. Jorge Pederson, 30, had recently moved to Austin, and his loss is deeply felt by those who knew him.
The outpouring of grief from the community reflects the devastating impact of this tragedy. Vigils and memorials have been held to honor the victims and offer support to their families and friends. The University of Texas at Austin and Westwood High School are providing counseling services to students and staff affected by the shooting.
Investigation and Evidence Collection
The Austin Police Department is urging anyone with video or photographic evidence of the shooting to submit it via their website: https://austintxpd.evidence.com/axon/community-request/public/260600182. During Thursday’s briefing, police released portions of surveillance video, 911 calls, body camera footage, and radio traffic to illustrate the timeline of events and the scale of the response. This transparency is intended to provide the public with a clear understanding of the incident and the police department’s actions.
Investigators are meticulously examining the evidence collected from the scene, including firearms, ammunition, and surveillance footage. They are also interviewing witnesses and gathering information about the suspect’s background and movements leading up to the shooting. The FBI’s involvement will likely expand the scope of the investigation, potentially including a review of the suspect’s online activity and communications.
Key Takeaways
- Three fatalities and 18 injured: The shooting resulted in the deaths of Savitha Shan, Ryder Harrington, and Jorge Pederson, with 18 others sustaining gunshot wounds.
- FBI investigating potential terrorism link: Federal investigators are examining the suspect’s background for any connection to terrorist organizations or ideologies.
- Swift police response: Officers arrived on the scene within 57 seconds of the first 911 call and engaged the suspect.
- Community grief and support: The Austin community is mourning the loss of the victims and providing support to their families and friends.
- Ongoing investigation: The Austin Police Department and the FBI are continuing to investigate the shooting and gather evidence.
The West Sixth Street shooting is a stark reminder of the ongoing threat of gun violence in the United States. The incident has reignited the debate over gun control measures and the need for improved mental health services. As the investigation continues, authorities are working to determine the full extent of the suspect’s motives and any potential connections to extremist groups. The community remains on edge, grappling with the aftermath of this tragic event.
Authorities are expected to provide further updates on the investigation in the coming days. The FBI’s assessment of a potential terrorism link will be a key focus, and any findings will be shared with the public as soon as they are confirmed. The Austin Police Department continues to urge anyone with information about the shooting to come forward.
We encourage readers to share their thoughts and condolences in the comments below. If you or someone you understand has been affected by this tragedy, please reach out to local support services for assistance.
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