Multiple Innocent Bystanders Injured In Deadly Police Shooting at Soho Lounge Bar In Austin
AUSTIN, TEXAS (December 17, 2023) - Three innocent bystanders were injured in an Austin police shooting at the Soho Lounge bar on Sixth Street.
Austin police officials are saying that the shooting took place on Saturday night. Police received reports about an armed man attempting to enter the bar.
They arrived at the scene and confronted a man armed with a gun. Police alleged that he pulled out his firearm and pointed it in the direction of officers.
Officers opened fire and shot the suspect multiple times. However, three innocent bystanders were also injured in the gunfire.
Paramedics were called to the scene in order to help all of the victims. The gunman was pronounced dead. All three of the bystanders were taken to the hospital.
One of them is listed in critical condition. A full investigation into the Soho Lounge shooting remains ongoing at this time.
Liability For Austin Police Shootings
Thousands of people are killed or seriously injured in police shootings each year. According to the Washington Post, “On average, police in the United States shoot and kill more than 1,000 people every year, according to an ongoing analysis by The Washington Post. The number of fatal police shootings has risen slightly in recent years. Police killed the highest number of people on record in 2022.” There are a number of steps that police officers should take to avoid shooting innocent bystanders.
- Police officers should be well trained on firearms use, situational awareness and de-escalation techniques.
- Police officers should always do their best to clear civilians out of any area where they are apprehending a suspect.
- Police officers should refrain from shooting when officers or civilians may be caught in the crossfire.
The authority to use lethal force is one of the most consequential powers that police officers hold. Officers should only use lethal force as a measure of last resort. Victims of excessive force will typically have recourse through 42 U.S. Code § 1983. According to the statute, every person who, under the color of any statute, ordinance or law, causes a citizen of the United States to be deprived of any rights secured by the Constitution, shall be liable to the injured party in an action at law. When a police officer shoots an innocent bystander, this could form the basis of a constitutional claim. It is important that evidence is properly preserved after any police shooting.
- Eye witnesses should be interviewed.
- Medical records related to the incident should be preserved.
- All body camera footage from the officers involved should be reviewed.
- A thorough investigation should be conducted.
Police officers are trained from day one not to fire at suspects when civilians and other officers are in their crossfire. But this rule is not always followed. It is important for victims of police shootings and their families to understand their rights. Any person that is injured in a police shooting may have legal recourse through a civil claim. A civil rights attorney can examine all of the unique facts of your case and let you know what your legal options are.
Investigating Austin Police Shootings
We at Scott H. Palmer, P.C. extend our best wishes to the three bystanders injured in this Austin police shooting at the Soho Lounge bar. There needs to be a thorough investigation into what happened. It is our sincere hope that all of the victims are able to make a full recovery.
Have you or someone that you care about been injured in a police shooting? There are a number of laws designed to protect your rights. Our team of civil rights attorneys are here to help in any way that we can. We care deeply that victims of excessive force get the support and justice that they are entitled to. Whether you just have legal questions or need any type of assistance we are here for you. You can reach out to us anytime at 214-987-4100.