Several Texas and national lawmakers are weighing in on the mass shooting in Austin that claimed the lives of two victims and injured 14 others.
AUSTIN, Texas — Local, state and national leaders are reacting to the shooting on 6th Street that left two people dead and 14 others injured. Police say the gunman was also shot and killed.
Local officials
Austin City Councilwoman Vanessa Fuentes
“Today’s 6th Street shooting has left our city shaken, grieving, and looking for answers. To the victims, their families, and loved ones: our hearts are with you during this tragic time. To our first responders who were able to rapidly secure the scene and administer life-saving aid: thank you. Your brave, professional response undoubtedly saved lives. We will continue working closely with public safety officials as more information becomes available.”
Austin City Councilman Chito Vela
“Heartbroken to see a mass shooting on 6th Street. My deepest condolences to the victims and their families. Thanks to our police, EMS and firefighters for the quick response. Police killed the shooter and EMS was immediately treating the wounded.”
Austin City Councilman Zo Qadri
“I’m heartbroken by last night’s shooting on 6th Street. My thoughts are with the victims, their loved ones, and all impacted. Thank you to our first responders for their swift action.”
Austin City Councilwoman Krista Laine
“Our hearts and our prayers go out to the families and friends of everyone that was affected. I am so grateful for our brave first responders, including Austin Police and EMS, who were already positioned downtown and arrived on the scene very quickly, saving many lives.”
Travis County Judge Andy Brown
“This morning, I stand with our community with a shocked, horrified, and heavy heart in the wake of the devastating mass shooting on West Sixth Street. I spoke with Mayor Watson, ATCEMS Chief Luckritz, and Sheriff Hernandez, and offered any needed assistance. The investigation is ongoing. We hold close all those who have been impacted by this senseless act of violence. My heart goes out to the victims and their families. Thank you to our first responders for their quick actions, especially ATCEMS and APD, which helped prevent even more loss and brought order during a terrifying moment.”
Congressman Lloyd Doggett
“Gun violence is preventable. This devastating loss of life was preventable. Until Republicans find the courage to say no to the NRA, our country will be plagued with more tragedies. Libby and I join our community in mourning and praying for those still fighting for their lives. Thanks to law enforcement for their swift response, which undoubtedly saved lives.”
Congressman Greg Casar
“We must end America’s gun violence epidemic. Americans should be able to have fun at a bar without it turning into an unspeakable nightmare like this on.”
State Rep. James Talarico
“America is praying for Austin. But there is something profoundly cynical about asking God to solve a problem we’re not willing to solve ourselves. God moves and works through us. God has no other hands but our hands. We must act.”
State Rep. Gina Hinojosa
“We shouldn’t have to wake to news of such unnecessary tragedy. Life is precious. On that we can all agree. We must work much harder to protect it.”
State Sen. Sarah Eckhardt
“Our city, known for its vibrant and peaceful nightlife, experienced deadly violence again last night. My thanks go to those who intervened and my heart goes out to those injured and killed.”
State Rep. John Bucy
“Austin is waking up to another gut-wrenching act of gun violence. My heart is broken for the victims, for their families, & for the pain afflicted on our community. I’m deeply grateful to our APD officers, EMS providers, & first responders who ran toward danger to save lives.”
State leaders
Gov. Greg Abbott
“Texas mourns with the families and loved ones of those who were horrifically killed in last night’s attack in Austin. Cecilia and I pray for them, and we pray for the swift recovery of those who were injured. I have been in contact with Mayor Watson and DPS Director Martin and have offered the full support of the State of Texas to ensure all assistance and resources are deployed.
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.
Yesterday I directed the Texas Military Department to activate service members under Operation Fury Shield to work alongside state and federal partners to safeguard our communities and critical infrastructure. Patrols have been increased at vital energy facilities, ports, and along our border. We have bolstered cybersecurity personnel and deployed unmanned aerial surveillance to monitor and protect critical infrastructure sites.
I also directed the Texas Department of Public Safety and Texas National Guard to intensify patrols and surveillance. Texas is relentlessly working with our federal partners to ensure every necessary resource is deployed to defend our communities.
And today, I directed the DPS to increase patrols and add law enforcement personnel in the 6th Street District in downtown Austin during weekends. We must ensure enough boots on the ground to discourage criminal activity.
Texans are strong. We will not be intimidated, and we will not be terrorized. We will defend our state without hesitation.”
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton
“We are praying for the victims of this unconscionable act of violence in Austin. Our hearts are with the victims and their friends and family, and we are praying for a swift recovery for all those who were injured in this shooting.”
Texas House Speaker Dustin Burrows
“This kind of calculated violence is meant to terrorize, to shake our sense of security and to strike fear in innocent people enjoying a night out in Texas’ capital city.”
State Sen. Nathan Johnson
“So terribly sad to wake up today to the news of more young lives lost, more young people suffering physical harm and emotional trauma that never fully heals. We will end this cycle of horror and tragedy.”
National leaders
Sen. John Cornyn
“Just talked to Mayor Watson to offer assistance. Proud of Austin Police and EMS and the lifesaving speed with which they responded. Pray for the families of the dead and injured.”
Sen. Ted Cruz
“What happened early this morning in Austin was a senseless act of violence. My team and I are coordinating with local, state, and federal authorities. I’m grateful for the heroic and quick response from law enforcement. Heidi and I are praying for the family and friends of the victims and for the swift recovery of all of those who were injured.”
Congressman Wesley Hunt
“Emily and I are lifting up in prayer the families of those killed and injured in the horrific attack in Austin. We are grateful for the swift and courageous response of law enforcement, whose quick action stopped the threat and prevented even greater tragedy.”
Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett
“While thoughts and prayers offer comfort, as I head to church this morning I’m reminded that faith without works is dead. So let’s get to work.”
Congressman Joaquin Castro
“A horrific shooting in Austin early this morning outside a popular bar took the lives of three people and injured fourteen more. No one should fear facing violence on a night out. The victims and their families are in my thoughts and I am praying for the recoveries of those hospitalized. Congress must continue to work to end the scourge of gun violence in our country.”
Former Congressman Colin Allred
“Last night’s mass shooting in Austin is another devastating reminder of the gun violence epidemic tearing through this country. My heart is with the victims and their families. We cannot keep accepting this as normal.”
Former Congresswoman Gabby Giffords
“I am heartbroken by the shooting in Austin, Texas, where a night on Sixth Street ended in tragedy. In an instant, families and friends were forced to face fear and loss. My heart is with the victims, the survivors, and their loved ones. Americans deserve to feel safe in their own communities. Safety is not a privilege — it is a right. It is time for our leaders to show courage, take responsibility, and build safer communities where every family can live without fear.”