A third person has died following a mass shooting early Sunday morning in downtown Austin, adding to the toll of one of the city’s deadliest recent acts of gun violence. Authorities say the investigation remains active as local and federal agencies work to determine what led to the attack.
Jorge Pederson, 30, Taken Off Life Support
According to sources who spoke with KVUE, 30-year-old Jorge Pederson was taken off life support Monday after being critically injured in the shooting.
Earlier in the day, Austin police identified the other two victims who were killed as 19-year-old Ryder Harrington and 21-year-old Savitha Shan. University of Texas President Jim Davis confirmed that Shan was a student at the University of Texas at Austin.
The shooting occurred around 2 a.m. Sunday outside Buford’s bar on West Sixth Street, a popular nightlife area that draws large crowds on weekends. Police say the suspected gunman opened fire, injuring more than a dozen people, before being shot and killed by officers at the scene.
More Than a Dozen Injured, Two Remain in Critical Condition
Austin Police Chief Lisa Davis said at least 14 people were located at the scene and transported to nearby hospitals. As of Monday evening, at least two patients remained in critical condition.
St. David’s HealthCare confirmed that at least four of the injured had been treated and released.
Emergency response teams, including Austin-Travis County EMS and the Austin Fire Department, arrived quickly and coordinated efforts to secure the area and treat victims. City officials later praised first responders for their rapid action during the chaotic early-morning incident.
Investigation Spans Large Crime Scene
Chief Davis described the case as complex and still in its early stages. Investigators are reviewing extensive physical and digital evidence across a large crime scene in the heart of downtown.
Authorities are also analyzing information from roughly 150 witnesses as they work to piece together a timeline of events leading up to the shooting.
Because the case includes an officer-involved shooting, the department plans to release additional information later this week, including body camera footage expected Thursday.
FBI Reviewing Suspect’s Background and Possible Motive
The FBI is assisting in the investigation. Acting Special Agent in Charge Alex Doran said federal authorities are examining the suspect’s criminal history and personal background.
Investigators are also exploring whether there may be any ideological or international connection to the attack. Doran said agents are reviewing items associated with the suspect, including clothing referencing Iran, as part of that assessment.
At this stage, officials said there is no confirmation of a broader motive. Both Doran and Davis stated that the suspect had not previously been identified as a potential threat prior to the shooting.
Chief Davis confirmed that the firearms used in the attack were obtained legally.
City Leaders Address Community Impact
Austin Mayor Kirk Watson called the shooting a traumatic moment for the city, particularly in a district known for its vibrant nightlife and tourism. West Sixth Street is a central gathering spot for both residents and visitors, especially during major events.
Watson said he was proud of how first responders and community members reacted under pressure, highlighting what he described as strong coordination among police, firefighters and EMS personnel. He also praised residents for supporting one another in the aftermath.
“Even in a dark moment, many people in Austin are helping create light through their actions,” Watson said.
No Changes to Security Plans for SXSW
City leaders said the shooting has not prompted changes to current security plans for upcoming major events, including South by Southwest (SXSW), which begins next Thursday. The annual festival brings hundreds of thousands of visitors to Austin for music, film and technology programming.
Chief Davis said Austin police are coordinating with law enforcement agencies in other major U.S. cities and that departments nationwide have been urged to remain vigilant.
The investigation is ongoing, and authorities expect to release additional details later this week when body camera footage and further background information become public.
Police are asking anyone with video or photographic evidence related to the shooting to submit it through the Austin Police Department’s website as detectives continue to review leads.
As the city mourns three lives lost and others remain hospitalized, officials say their focus remains on supporting victims’ families and ensuring a thorough, transparent investigation into what happened on West Sixth Street.
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