Three people have been killed and 14 others wounded in a mass shooting at a popular beer garden in Austin, Texas, police said on Sunday.
Officers responded to reports of a shooting at Buford's in the city's entertainment district around 2 a.m. local time. The suspect, described as a male, was armed with a handgun and an assault rifle, according to the Austin American-Statesman.
Police were already in the area due to the nightlife activity. Three officers confronted the gunman and opened fire, killing him, Austin Police Chief Lisa Davis said during a press briefing.
EMS Chief Robert Luckritz confirmed that three people were found dead at the scene and 14 others were wounded, with three in critical condition. Emergency workers arrived less than a minute after the call for assistance.
Austin Mayor Kirk Watson praised the rapid response, saying officers 'definitely saved lives'. The FBI is assisting the Austin Police Department in the investigation. The shooter's identity and motives remain unknown.
A former manager of Buford's said none of the restaurant's staff were injured. Police were gathering surveillance footage and witness statements on Sunday morning.
