Austin Mass Shooting Started Because of an Argument Between Two Groups of Teens

Austin Police respond to mass shooting on East Sixth Street (Credit: KVUE)

The mass shooting that occurred in Austin, TX on East Sixth Street was the result of an argument between two groups of teens that escalated into violence, according to an affidavit from the Austin Police Department (APD).

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The police department explains that Jeremiah Roshaun Leeland James Tabb, 17, brandished a firearm as he and his friends walked by another group of people. Members of the two groups exchanged words before the shooting started.

The affidavit states that as Tabb’s group walked by the other group, Tabb said: “What y’all wanna do? Y’all wanna fight?”

A minor from the other group responded: “It’s whatever.” This is when Tabb is alleged to have pulled his gun and begun shooting.

KXAN reported:

The same minor said Tabb shot him in the leg a few days before in Killeen, the affidavit said. A police report from Killeen police supported the minor’s claim that Tabb was the primary suspect in that shooting, as well. Killeen police told KXAN on June 8, officers were called to a Harker Heights hospital to talk to a teen who had been shot. The victim told them he was outside a home on Toledo Drive when a dark-colored sedan drove by and fired shots toward him. Police are looking into potential suspects, the department said Wednesday.

Another minor police interviewed in Austin said the group immediately starting running away and heard gunshots behind him.

Multiple witnesses told investigators that another minor possessed a gun as well. The two teens showed their firearms after the verbal exchange that occurred before the shooting started. “Eight shell casings, believed to be from the same gun, were found by investigators on the sidewalk outside a bar in the area of the shooting, the affidavit said,” according to KXAN.

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The shooting resulted in 13 injuries and one death. Douglas Kantor, a New Yorker who was visiting Austin died in the hospital the day after the shooting. Jessica Ramirez, who was injured in the assault was in serious condition after being shot. Her family told KXAN that she required back surgery due to her injuries.

Tabb was the second person who was arrested in connection with the mass shooting. The first, whose name was not revealed, was arrested on June 13. Tabb is being charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon.

Texas Democrats are already using the shooting to call for more gun control measures. Indeed, they will likely imply that the shooting happened because of Texas’ relaxed laws on gun ownership. At this point, there is no indication that either of the alleged shooters obtained their guns legally or illegally. But that’s never stopped the hard left before. This will likely ignite a more aggressive battle over the Second Amendment in Texas, but for now, it appears the anti-gun side does not have the advantage.

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