By Nicole Acevedo and Adela Suliman - NBC News
At least one person was killed and at least 14 injured in a mass shooting in a downtown Austin, Texas, district early Saturday morning.
The fatality was identified as a 25-year-old who was first hospitalized in serious condition and who succumbed to his injuries Sunday afternoon.
One more person is in critical condition and 12 more are stable,
Austin Acting Police Chief Joseph Chacon said during a news conference.
Most of the victims appear to be innocent bystanders.
Chacon assured that
the police have identified two possible suspects.
The department said Saturday afternoon that one of them is in custody
and the other is a fugitive.
The motive for the attack is still unknown.
Agents are also reviewing multiple videos for evidence as authorities continue their investigation.
[Narcos, thieves and hit men sent secret messages through an app. But the FBI was reading them]
"This is one of the
most significant incidents we have had in our city,"
said Chacon.
The first shooting call was received around 1:24 am (local time), Chacon said.
He added that the street was barricaded to keep crowds and vehicle traffic out at the time of the shooting.
Shortly after, they received several calls to 911.
The incident happened on 6th Street, a popular area full of bars and restaurants.
Chacon said
the motive for the shooting was "unclear,"
adding that agents were reviewing video of the area.
[Why Biden's Actions to Prevent Gun Violence Are Not Enough, Expert Says]
The mayor of Austin, Democrat Steve Adler, released a statement asking the population to call 911 or the information line (512-974-5037) if they think they have relevant information.
Adler also indicated in the statement that "
greater access to firearms does not equate to more public safety"
and said that "the local increase in gun violence is part of a worrying rise at the national level as we are still trying to overcome the pandemic." .
The Texas State Congress just passed a law allowing the carrying of guns without a license or a criminal background check, a move that Adler opposed.
