Austin SWAT Officer Jorge Pastore Killed in Shooting, Gunman Dead; Four Dead in Total

Accident – Death – Obituary News : Texas Police Officer Killed in Tragic Shooting Incident

A Texas police officer with the Austin SWAT team lost his life early on Saturday morning in a shooting that also resulted in the death of the gunman and left another officer injured. The incident took place in Austin, where two additional casualties were discovered inside a residence, according to interim Police Chief Robin Henderson.

The heartbreaking news was delivered by a visibly emotional Henderson, who struggled to hold back tears during a press conference. She revealed that officers were dispatched to the scene shortly before 3 am in response to a distressed woman’s call, reporting that she was being stabbed. Prior to the officers’ arrival, one person managed to escape the home and informed the police that the suspect was armed with a knife.

Upon attempting to enter the residence, the officers encountered gunfire from the suspect. However, they did not return fire, instead choosing to retreat and call for the assistance of the SWAT team. Henderson, surrounded by a group of fellow officers, stated that the SWAT team was summoned at around 3:06 am due to the suspect being armed and holding two hostages. The team arrived at approximately 4:11 am and made a second attempt to rescue the victims by forcefully entering the residence.

“SWAT officers arrived on scene and forced entry into the residence… to rescue the victims,” Henderson explained. “As SWAT officers entered, the suspect immediately fired his gun at the officers, and the SWAT officers returned fire.” Unfortunately, both officers and the suspect sustained gunshot wounds. The suspect was pronounced dead at the scene, while the two officers were rushed to a hospital. Tragically, one officer succumbed to his injuries, while the other remains in stable condition.

Henderson also revealed that two individuals, believed to be victims of the suspect, were found deceased inside the residence. The identities of those involved have not yet been released. The Austin Police Department’s internal affairs division, along with the department’s special investigation unit in collaboration with the Travis County District Attorney’s Office, will conduct a thorough investigation into the incident.

Austin Mayor Kirk Watson expressed his grief over the tragic event, stating, “My heart and the hearts of Austinites are broken this morning. This is a horrible moment for our city and those who protect us. I’m praying for the family of our fallen officer, for our officer who was shot and in surgery, and his family.” Watson emphasized the bravery exhibited by law enforcement officers who put themselves in harm’s way to ensure public safety.

The Austin Police Retired Officers Association requested prayers for both the fallen officer and the wounded officer. Governor Greg Abbott of Texas also issued a statement, urging citizens to pray for the slain officer’s family, the injured officer, and the entire police department. “This tragedy is a reminder of the great risks and selfless leadership our law enforcement officers exercise every day to serve and protect their communities,” Abbott stated.

This devastating incident marks the first time in a decade that an Austin Police Department officer has been fatally shot in the line of duty. As the investigation unfolds, the community is left mourning the loss of a dedicated officer and praying for the recovery of the injured officer..