AUSTIN (Talk1370.com) -- Hours after a gunman opened fire in the middle of Austin's Sixth Street entertainment district and wounded 13 people, reaction from local and state leaders continues to pour in.
Austin Mayor Steve Adler praised law enforcement's response, calling the uptick in gun violence part of a "disturbing rise in gun violence across the country as we exit the pandemic."
District 6 City Council member Mackenzie Kelly called the mass shooting a "horrific" event. "This despicable and cowardly act of gun violence only steals our commitment to making Austin lead the nation in being the safest city in America," said Kelly in a statement. "No community should ever experience what occurred this morning in Austin."
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott said state resources are working alongside APD in their effort to catch the suspect involved.
The Downtown Austin Alliance called the shooting another example of "senseless violence." "We are saddened that Austin has joined the far too lengthy list of communities that have experienced mass shootings," DAA President Dewitt Peart said. "Our nation has endured heartbreak time and time again resulting from the acts of deranged individuals intent on killing and harming others. This senseless violence must end. We will continue our work towards ensuring downtown is as safe, clean and welcoming for all, but today, we are thinking of those affected by this shooting. We need to come together, care for each other and be strong together for Austin."
Former Austin Police Chief Brian Manley commended the officers of APD for their efforts. "I remain grateful for the men and women of APD who continue to run towards danger in protection of our community," Manley wrote in a tweet. "Whether gunfire, a vehicle fire, or boaters about to plunge over a dam, you continue to show up and save lives. Your dedication and professionalism is remarkable."
U.S. Rep. Chip Roy (R-Austin) highlighted the efforts of Austin Police officers, whose actions likely saved lives in the immediate aftermath of the shooting. "It is noteworthy that it was Austin PD officers who were on the scene literally saving lives – applying tourniquets and taking people to the hospital – when EMTs couldn’t respond through the crowds. Crime in Austin continues to rise as our police force faces reduced resources, leaving Austinites feeling unsafe."