In Austin, Texas, an early Saturday morning hostage situation resulted in three fatalities, including a SWAT officer. Chief of Police Robin Henderson detailed the sequence of events in a press briefing, describing the incident as a tragic day for all involved.
The situation began around 3 a.m. when a 911 caller, amid screams for help, reported a stabbing at a residence in southwest Austin. The first responding officers found one injured victim outside the residence, who was subsequently transported to a hospital. According to Chief Henderson, two other victims remained inside with the suspect, reportedly still armed with a knife.
An initial attempt by officers to enter the residence for a rescue was met with gunfire from the suspect, leading to a retreat without return fire. Subsequently, SWAT was called to the scene due to the armed, barricaded suspect holding two hostages.
During a second forced entry by SWAT around 4 a.m., officers were immediately met with gunfire. Two officers were shot and rushed to a local hospital, where one officer tragically succumbed to his injuries. The second officer is reported to be in stable condition.
Inside the residence, the two remaining victims were found deceased, having sustained fatal injuries. The suspect was also found dead at the scene. Their identities have not been released to the public.
This incident marks the first death of an Austin Police Department officer in the line of duty in a decade, as reported by ABC affiliate KVUE in Austin. Mayor Kirk Watson expressed his condolences, stating, “My heart and the hearts of Austinites are broken this morning. This is a horrible moment for our city and those who protect us.”
Multiple officers discharged their firearms during the incident, with their identities currently withheld. The Austin Police Department is set to conduct a thorough criminal investigation into the officer-involved shooting, in coordination with the Travis County District Attorney’s Office. An administrative investigation will also be carried out, with oversight from the Office of Police Oversight, as confirmed by Chief Henderson.
