Texas SWAT Officer Jorge Pastore Killed in Shootout; Four Dead in Austin Incident

Accident – Death – Obituary News : A Texas police officer with the Austin SWAT team tragically lost his life early Saturday morning in a shooting incident that also resulted in the death of the gunman and left a second officer injured. The incident took place in Austin, where two additional individuals were later found dead inside a home, according to Interim Police Chief Robin Henderson.

During a tearful news conference, Chief Henderson revealed that officers received a distress call from a woman who claimed to be in the midst of a stabbing at the residence, just before 3 a.m. on Saturday. One person managed to escape the home before law enforcement arrived, informing them that the suspect was armed with a knife.

Upon attempting to enter the house, officers were met with gunfire. However, they did not return fire and instead retreated, subsequently summoning a SWAT team for backup. Chief Henderson, surrounded by other officers, disclosed that Officer Jorge Pastore was identified as the officer who lost his life in the incident. Pastore had been a member of the SWAT team and had served with the department for three years. He leaves behind a wife and two stepsons.

This unfortunate incident marks the first time in a decade that an Austin police officer has been fatally shot on duty. In addition to Officer Pastore, three other individuals lost their lives during the shootout, including the suspected gunman. Chief Henderson explained that the suspect had barricaded himself inside the residence with two hostages.

“At 3:06 a.m., SWAT was called to the scene as the suspect was armed and barricaded in a residence and had two hostages,” Chief Henderson stated. “At approximately 4:11 a.m., SWAT officers arrived on scene and entered the home a second time to rescue the victims.”

However, as soon as the SWAT officers entered, the suspect began firing his handgun at them, prompting them to return fire. Both officers and the suspect sustained gunshot wounds. While the suspect died at the scene, the injured officers were transported to a hospital, where one succumbed to his injuries, while the other remains in stable condition.

Inside the residence, law enforcement discovered two lifeless bodies, believed to be victims of the suspect. The Austin Police Department’s internal affairs division, along with the Special Investigations Unit, will conduct an investigation into the shooting. The Travis County District Attorney’s Office will also be involved in the investigation.

The news of this devastating incident prompted an outpouring of condolences and support from the local community and beyond. Austin Mayor Kirk Watson expressed his grief, stating, “My heart and the hearts of Austinites are broken this morning. This is a terrible moment for our city and those who protect us.” Governor Greg Abbott of Texas also issued a statement, urging prayers for the fallen officer’s family, the injured officer, and the police department.

The Austin Police Retired Officers Association requested prayers for both the deceased and injured officers. A convoy of emergency vehicles paraded through downtown Austin in honor of the fallen officer, while messages of condolence poured in from the mayor, governor, and police chief.

The tragic loss of Officer Jorge Pastore serves as a stark reminder of the dangers faced by law enforcement officers as they bravely carry out their duties. As the investigation unfolds, the city of Austin mourns the loss of a dedicated officer and extends its support to his grieving family and colleagues..