UPDATE: Buford’s Bar in Austin, Texas, is set to reopen its doors on Friday, March 3, 2023, at 6 p.m. following a tragic mass shooting that claimed the lives of three individuals and injured 18 others last weekend. The bar announced its reopening in a heartfelt Instagram post, emphasizing a commitment to community healing and safety.
The reopening comes with a promise: 100% of sales from Friday through Sunday will be donated to the victims and families most affected by the shooting. This initiative aims to provide immediate support to those impacted by the violence that occurred on March 1 around 2 a.m.
In the wake of the shooting, which involved a suspect firing a semi-automatic weapon into a crowd, the bar is implementing enhanced safety measures. An increased police presence will be visible at the intersections of 6th and Rio Grande streets, with Rio Grande closed to through traffic from 10 p.m. to 4 a.m. on Friday and Saturday nights. The bar also plans to install protective glass along its beer garden—an area directly targeted during the attack.
“Our team has spent time reflecting and supporting one another,” the bar stated. “Returning to a sense of routine, although challenging, is crucial for healing.” The statement underscored the bar’s role as both a workplace and a community hub for many employees and patrons.
Austin Police Chief Lisa Davis confirmed that law enforcement arrived at the scene within 57 seconds of the first 911 call. The gunman, who drove a black Cadillac SUV, began shooting with a semi-automatic pistol, later transitioning to an AR-15-style rifle. He was ultimately shot and killed by police during the incident.
The victims include 21-year-old Savitha Shan and 19-year-old Ryder Harrington, pronounced dead shortly after the attack, and 30-year-old Jorge Pederson, who succumbed to injuries at the hospital on March 2. Currently, two victims remain hospitalized, with one in critical condition.
The FBI is investigating potential ties to terrorism, adding another layer of urgency to this developing situation. Community members and officials alike are expected to gather at Buford’s for the reopening, marking a significant moment in the healing process.
As the bar prepares to welcome patrons again, the focus remains on safety and solidarity. “We move forward with heavy hearts and a commitment to stand together,” the post concluded.
Stay tuned for further updates as this story continues to develop.