The mood in the air switched from jubilant to chaotic on Saturday night (March 16) in Austin, Texas. According to multiple reports, a shooting occurred during the annual SXSW festival in Austin. "#AustinPD is working a shooting call in the 300 block of E. 6th St," tweeted the official police account of the city. "One person will be transported to the hospital. Individuals have been detained, but still searching for others that may have been involved. Please avoid the area as the investigation continues." The suspect in custody has yet to be identified.
“There was loud pop that I heard. There was a pause of a second or two, then the people in the crowd started shouting ‘a shooting,’ and everybody started running,” SXSW attendee Matthew Carey told Deadline. Police were able to detain the suspect within minutes, since the area was being heavily patrolled due to the festival. The shooting took place near the heart of the event; 6th street is the center of nightlife in Austin and is packed with several bars and clubs. Although the incident didn't take place at an official SXSW venue, the entire city turns into a festival for the event and the shooting occurred in the hub of the festival's activities. As the story unravels, we will continue to keep you updated.