Photo: Ajax9 / iStock / Getty Images
Update:
Police in Austin say a SWAT team member is dead and another officer is hospitalized after an overnight standoff in Austin. SWAT officers had been called to a home in South Austin early this morning and the shooting took place during the standoff. Interim Austin Police Chief Robin Henderson said the suspect is dead and two victims inside the home were pronounced dead at the scene. Henderson confirmed the wounded officer underwent surgery this morning and is in stable condition. The death of the SWAT team member marks the first time in eleven years an Austin Police Department officer has been killed in the line of duty.
Henderson identified the officer who was killed as SPO Jorge Pastore. She later tweeted, "My heart is heavy today. Please help me and our APD family pay tribute to SPO Jorge Pastore for his brave & heroic actions. Sir, we’ll take it from here."
Pastore joined the Austin Police Department cadet class in June of 2019 and was commissioned as an officer on January 31, 2020. Officer Pastore is survived by his wife, two step-sons and his parents and two sisters.
"Hearts across Texas are grieving with the family and loved ones of the Austin Police Officer who was tragically killed in the line of duty early this morning, as well as another who faces a long journey to recovery," said Governor Greg Abbott. "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. Cecilia and I ask our fellow Texans to join us in lifting up in prayer the family and loved ones of the officer who was killed, the officer undergoing surgery, and the entire Austin Police Department during this difficult time."
Original Story:
An Austin police officer is dead and another wounded after a standoff that also led to the deaths of at least one other person and the suspect. SWAT officers had been called to a home in the 9300 block of Bernoulli Drive in South Austin early this morning and the shooting took place during the standoff.
Mayor Kirk Watson said his heart and the hearts of Austinites are broken, saying it is a horrible moment for the city and those who protect Austin. He went on to say he was praying for the family of the fallen officer and for the other officer who was shot, who was reportedly in surgery following the shooting.
"My deepest condolences to the families of the fallen officer and victims of this horrible crime. Austin Police place their lives on the line daily to protect our communities. I share your grief and wish our injured officer a full recovery," said Austin City Councilor Ryan Alter.
"I'm so sorry to hear about the tragic incident involving our Austin Police officers. My thoughts are with the fallen officer, the wounded officer, their families, and their APD colleagues during this difficult time," said Austin City Councilor Vanessa Fuentes.
The Combined Law Enforcement Associations of Texas issued a statement. "Heartbreaking news this morning as one of our members and Austin Police Officer was tragically killed and another injured. We’re praying for [Austin police], family and friends who are grieving, and for the strength and recovery of the injured officer," said CLEAT.
"Our hearts are heavy this morning with the news of one of our brothers with APD having been shot and killed in the line of duty. Please pray for his family all the APD family and for the speedy recovery of a second officer wounded in the same incident," said the Austin Police Retired Officers Association.