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AUSTIN (KXAN) – As the Austin community, along with the nation, continues to digest the news of the 6th Street mass shooting on Saturday, several other shootings in the city have already followed the incident that sent 14 people to hospital.
Austin police said there were three separate shootings across the Austin area in the early hours of Sunday morning. Here’s what we know.
Austin mass shooting: 1 suspect in custody, another still at large in Sixth Street attack, shooting #1
The shooting took place in East Austin around 2:09 a.m. near Todd Lane, roughly the same location as a different shooting that occurred just days before.
While there are few details about what led to the accident, police reported that there had been a large gathering before. Two victims are said to be in a critical but stable condition in hospital.
Shooting #2
This accident occurred at approximately 2:39 a.m. Sunday, on Jolliville Road in North Austin.
According to the police, one of the suspects was taken to hospital with a non-life-threatening gunshot wound.
Shooting #3
The shooting was reported in North Austin at 3:07 a.m. on Howard Lane. Police say a man was taken to Round Rock Hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
KXAN will update stories about these cases when details are published.
In the wake of Saturday’s mass shooting, which captured national attention, many focused on how Austin’s policing might have accounted for it. On Saturday morning, interim police chief Joseph Chacon praised the department for its quick response, but emphasized how difficult it is to fully staff the downtown area during peak hours.
Canceled apprentice classes and budget shifts conducted by the Austin City Council have been suggested as reasons for a more restrictive patrol force.
Austin police officer shortage diminishes in 14 APD districts
Last August, the city council voted unanimously to approve the 2020-21 budget to move about $150 million in APD funding into other areas of public safety and health. New cadet classes were effectively closed while a review of the new officers’ syllabus was underway.
Unfavorable attitudes toward antisocial personality disorder rose during the summer of 2020, as some condemned the ministry’s response to a series of social justice protests. The spread of “less-lethal” beanbag shots to protesters came under particular criticism, and the Police Oversight Office received 82 complaints from protesters who said officers had gone too far.
But while the controversy continues, Chacon assured Austinette and visitors that nights spent at the Texas Capitol should continue, but vigilance is key.
“Overall, we’re still a safe city. And I think people should keep that in mind. But also keep in mind when you come downtown, you have to be safety conscious. Travel in groups, if possible. Be mindful of your environment and surroundings.” Most importantly, if you plan to drink, have a plan to go home, Chacon said.
Nationwide, violent crimes, particularly murders, are on the rise as the pandemic approaches. A May Criminal Justice Council study found a 30% increase in homicides among 34 US cities in 2020, as well as an 8% increase in firearm assault cases.
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