AUSTIN, Texas — A gunman fired more than 100 rounds at downtown buildings in Austin and tried to set the Mexican Consulate ablaze early Friday before he died during a confrontation with police, authorities said.
Some of the targeted buildings are near the Sixth Street entertainment district, where bars close at 2 a.m., about when the shootings began. Thousands of people are typically on the street at that time, said Police Chief Art Acevedo.
“With all the people on the streets, we’re very fortunate,” Acevedo said. “I give thanks that no one but the suspect is injured or deceased.”
Investigators identified the shooter as Larry McQuilliams, 49, of Austin. Police said he a criminal record but didn’t release details. They said they were trying to determine a motive.
Mexico’s Foreign Relations Department issued a statement expressing “profound concern and condemnation” of the attack. Other targeted buildings included police headquarters and the U.S. courthouse.
