A shooting spree that occurred between Austin and San Antonio resulted in at least two fatalities, eliciting a response from Gov. Greg Abbott. The Office of the Texas Governor reported that the incident also left three people injured, including an officer from the Austin Police Department (APD).
In a press release issued by his office on Dec. 6, Gov. Abbott expressed his condolences for the victims and called for stringent punishment for the perpetrator. "Texans grieve for the loved ones of the six Texans who were murdered by a hardened criminal who must never see the light of day again," he said. Further emphasizing on the gravity of the crime, Abbott added, "The murderer also shot two law enforcement officers in the line of duty."
According to reports from Austin ABC station KVUE News, authorities have identified both the victims and the suspected shooter as 34-year-old Shane James Jr. KVUE disclosed that two of the six fatalities were Shane James Sr., 56, and Phyllis James, 55 - parents of the suspect - found dead inside a residence east of San Antonio. Among those killed in Austin were a young mother and a 32-year-old man.
Gov. Abbott reaffirmed Texas' commitment to law and order in his press release, stating that violence will not be tolerated in any form within state boundaries. "We thank all state and local law enforcement and first responders who apprehended this criminal and protected their communities," he said. "The State of Texas will provide all resources necessary to impose the full weight of law on this criminal for his despicable crimes."
Abbott further mentioned that he along with First Lady Cecilia Abbott have prayed for those affected by this tragedy and urged fellow Texans to do likewise. "Cecilia and I ask our fellow Texans to join us in lifting up in prayer the families and loved ones of those who were killed, as well as Texans recovering from injuries, including an Austin Police Officer and an Austin Independent School District police officer," he said.
The Austin Journal reported Abbott's response to the shooting of an on-duty officer from the Austin Independent School District (AISD) near Northeast Early College High School in the state capital. "Our ISD police officers play a critical role in keeping Texas students and school faculty safe," Abbott stated. The AISD officer, who holds a sergeant rank, was shot while performing routine patrol at campus, according to AISD Chief of Police Wayne Sneed’s remarks to Austin NBC affiliate KXAN News. The officer is expected to survive his injuries.