Austin Daily Brief: Sixth Street shooting response, SXSW security, airport changes
Austin, TX – March 4, 2026 – Sixth Street shooting aftermath and SXSW security, plus airport terminal shift, fatal crash update, and stormy weather.
Top story: Sixth Street shooting response
Austin is still processing Sunday morning’s violence on West Sixth Street near Rio Grande, where a shooter opened fire outside a packed nightlife spot. Police say three people were killed and 14 others were taken to hospitals, with officers fatally shooting the suspect at the scene.
The city has set up a Victim Assistance Center for anyone impacted, offering crisis counseling, behavioral health support, spiritual care, and help reclaiming personal items left behind. It is scheduled to operate March 3 and March 4 from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. at 1520 Rutherford Lane, Building 4.
SXSW security: plans stay in place
With South by Southwest set to begin March 12, public safety leaders say major event security plans will continue without sweeping changes. Officials say existing protocols already assume worst-case scenarios and emphasize fast communication, clear exits, and coordinated responses across agencies.
Airport change: South Terminal set to close March 31
Travelers flying Allegiant or Frontier should plan for a big shift at Austin-Bergstrom: March 31 is set as the final day of operations for the South Terminal. Starting April 1, those flights are expected to operate out of the main Barbara Jordan Terminal, putting all commercial airlines under one roof.
Road safety: fatal crash investigation on SH 71
Austin Police say they are investigating a fatal crash from March 1 on State Highway 71 eastbound, involving two vehicles and a pedestrian. The first vehicle that struck the pedestrian left the scene, and investigators are asking anyone with information to come forward.
Weather watch
A midweek cold front is expected to raise the odds of thunderstorms around Austin starting Wednesday, with higher rain chances later in the week. Forecasts also highlight the potential for stronger storms elsewhere in Texas, including the risk of large hail in some areas.
Sources
https://www.kut.org/crime-justice/2026-03-01/austin-tx-sixth-street-shooting-suspect-police-injuries-deaths
https://www.kut.org/crime-justice/2026-03-03/austin-tx-police-sxsw-safety-sixth-street-shooting
https://www.austintexas.gov/news/city-austin-mobilize-victim-assistance-center
https://www.austintexas.gov/blog/ausunderoneroof-allegiant-and-frontier-join-main-barbara-jordan-terminal-starting-april-1-2026
https://www.austintexas.gov/news/traffic-fatality-3100-block-sh-71-eb
https://www.mysanantonio.com/news/weather/article/cold-front-texas-weather-hail-21950288.php
