In a moment that probably had attendees fearing another tragedy at the music industry’s biggest and most important event, shots were fired early Sunday morning at SXSW 2016. The news was first reported by the Austin Police Department at 1:41 AM. Thankfully, nobody was injured in the incident, the perpetrator was taken into custody by police early Sunday morning with the weapon being recovered by authorities.
APD on scene at shots fired call at 6th and Trinity. Suspect fired rounds into air, no injuries. Suspect captured and gun recovered. WC 6
— Austin Police Dept (@Austin_Police) March 20, 2016
Shots were fired into the air at Trinity and 6th Street in Austin, TX, not far from Trinity Hall at Old School Bar & Grill, where a free show was being hosted and local group Hour Band were performing. “Several pops” were heard, which sent festival-goers running and screaming.
The Austin Police Department did not offer any specific details about the identity of the suspect in custody or the charges that will be faced for the offense.
The shots come two years after aspiring rapper Rashad Owens plowed into a crowded intersection at the heart of the festival, killing four and injuring several others. Owens was eventually found guilty of capital murder and sentenced to life in prison in November of 2015.