As the Texas capital prepares for another SXSW festival, Austin was shaken early Sunday morning by a mass shooting that killed three, including the shooter.
A SXSW spokesperson tells Deadline that festival officials remain in “close coordination” with law enforcement and safety agencies as planning is underway for the festival, which kicks off next week with more than 500,000 attendees expected.
“We are devastated by the tragedy that occurred in Austin last night. This is our home and we care about it deeply. Our thoughts are with everyone affected, and we’re grateful to first responders for their swift response,” they said in a statement.
“Year round, SXSW works closely with local, state, and federal law enforcement and public safety agencies to plan for a safe SXSW,” they added. “We will continue to stay in close coordination with our public safety and city partners and will provide additional updates as they become available.”
Sunday’s shooting killed two people and wounded 14 others, three of whom were hospitalized in critical condition, according to CNN. Austin Police Chief Lisa Davis said the gunman opened fire from inside a large SUV outside Buford’s Backyard Beer Garden just before 2am, striking patrons on the bar’s patio at West 6th and Rio Grande.
SXSW’s 2026 film, music and tech festival runs March 12-18 in Austin, Texas, with several world premiere screenings once again taking place at the Paramount Theatre. (Amy E. Price/SXSW Conference & Festivals via Getty Images)
The vehicle was previously seen circling the block. After opening fire, the gunman parked the car on 6th St and got out with his rifle, shooting passersby on foot.
Following the shooting, FBI is investigating a “potential nexus to terrorism” in regards to the suspected gunman, with the bureau’s Joint Terrorism Task Force assisting the FBI San Antonio Division.
“Obviously, it’s still way too early in the process to determine an exact motivation,” said Alex Doran, acting special agent in charge of the FBI San Antonio Division, during a press conference. “But there were indicators on the subject and then his vehicle that indicate a potential nexus to terrorism.”
Texas Governor Greg Abbott said in a statement, “This act of violence will not define us, nor will it shake the resolve of Texans. To anyone who thinks about using the current conflict in the Middle East to threaten Texans or our critical infrastructure, understand this clearly: Texas will respond with decisive and overwhelming force to protect our state.”
SXSW’s 2026 film, music and tech festival runs March 12-18 in Austin, Texas, with several world premiere screenings once again taking place at the Paramount Theatre.