SXSW say they are “devastated” by a mass shooting in a bar in Austin and say that bosses are working “in close coordination” with authorities ahead of next week’s festival.
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The Texas capital is due to host the next edition of the SXSW film, music and tech festival later this month from March 12-18.
Yesterday (March 1), early on Sunday morning, a mass shooting at a bar killed three – including the shooter. The shooting also wounded 14 others, three of who remain in hospital in a critical condition (as per CNN).
Austin Police Chief Lisa Davis reported that the gunman opened fire from inside a vehicle outside Buford’s Backyard Beer Garden just before 2am.
A SXSW spokesperson told Deadline that festival officials were in “close coordination” with law enforcement officials and safety agencies ahead of the festival. Over 500,000 attendees are expected to attend the event.
An officer-involved shooting in the nightlife district of Austin, Texas early Sunday led to multiple fatalities, according to local authorities.https://t.co/RyCxh3cmDV pic.twitter.com/hZWaNiNBHE
— CNN (@CNN) March 1, 2026
In a statement, they said: “We are devastated by the tragedy that occurred in Austin last night. This is our home and we care about it deeply. Our thoughts are with everyone affected, and we’re grateful to first responders for their swift response.”
“Year round, SXSW works closely with local, state, and federal law enforcement and public safety agencies to plan for a safe SXSW,” they added. “We will continue to stay in close coordination with our public safety and city partners and will provide additional updates as they become available.”
Following the shooting, the FBI said they are also investigating a “potential nexus to terrorism”.
Alex Doran, acting special agent in charge of the FBI San Antonio Division said of the shooting: “Obviously, it’s still way too early in the process to determine an exact motivation, but there were indicators on the subject and then his vehicle that indicate a potential nexus to terrorism.”
Texas Governor Greg Abbott added in a statement: “This act of violence will not define us, nor will it shake the resolve of Texans. To anyone who thinks about using the current conflict in the Middle East to threaten Texans or our critical infrastructure, understand this clearly: Texas will respond with decisive and overwhelming force to protect our state.”
The first UK edition of the SXSW festival kicked off in London last year, and run from June 2 to 7 in Shoreditch. Headliners were Tems and Mabel, and Alice Glass, Heartworms, L’objectif also appeared on the bill.
As well as live performances, the event also held conferences and discussions, with the likes of Jane Goodall, Wyclef Jean and more giving talks.