A horrifying hostage situation in Austin, Texas, unfolded early Saturday, resulting in three casualties, including a SWAT officer who lost his life in a fatal confrontation with the suspect, according to authorities.
The incident began around 3 a.m. local time when a distressed 911 caller sought help at a residence in southwest Austin, reporting a stabbing. Austin Chief of Police Robin Henderson revealed in a press briefing that the first officers on the scene found an injured victim who had managed to escape the residence. The victim was promptly transported to a local hospital, but no details were provided regarding the extent of her injuries.
As officers learned that two additional victims remained inside the residence with the armed suspect, who still possessed a knife, they attempted an emergency forced entry to rescue them. Unfortunately, the suspect opened fire upon their entry, forcing a retreat without returning fire, according to Henderson.
Given the armed and barricaded nature of the suspect and the hostages, SWAT was called to the scene. Upon their arrival at 4 a.m., a second attempt at forced entry was made, resulting in the suspect immediately firing upon SWAT officers. Two officers were shot and rushed to a local hospital. Tragically, one officer succumbed to his injuries despite life-saving efforts, while the other is reported to be in stable condition.
Inside the residence, the two additional victims were found with fatal injuries and pronounced dead at the scene. The suspect was also pronounced dead. The identities of the victims and the suspect have not been publicly disclosed.
Austin Mayor Kirk Watson expressed deep sorrow for the city, stating, “My heart and the hearts of Austinites are broken this morning. This is a horrible moment for our city and those who protect us.” He offered prayers for the fallen officer’s family and the injured officer undergoing surgery.
The incident marks the first time in a decade that an officer from the Austin Police Department has been killed in the line of duty, according to ABC affiliate KVUE in Austin. Multiple officers discharged their firearms during the tragic event, and the Austin Police Department, in collaboration with the Travis County District Attorney’s Office, will conduct both criminal and administrative investigations into the officer-involved shooting, with oversight from the Office of Police Oversight, Henderson announced.