Austin Mass Shooting: How a UT Student’s Pizza Run Saved His Life
AUSTIN, Texas — What began as a 21st birthday celebration at a popular West Sixth Street bar turned into a fight for survival for one University of Texas senior.
Nathan Comeaux, 22, was at Buford’s—a staple for the UT student community—early Sunday morning when a mass shooting broke out. Just minutes before the first shots were fired, Comeaux had stepped across the street to grab a slice of pizza.
From Celebration to Chaos
At first, the sounds of gunfire were mistaken for fireworks. "Nobody was panicking. We’re on West Sixth, the safe part of Sixth Street," Comeaux recalled. However, as the shots continued, the reality of the situation set in.
- The Escape: Comeaux took cover behind a bench as chaos unfolded around him.
- The Casualties: The shooting left 14 people injured and two dead.
- The Footage: After the initial volley of gunfire, Comeaux began recording on his phone, capturing the moment Austin Police Department (APD) officers engaged and killed the suspect.
A Community Shaken
For Comeaux, the tragedy is deeply personal. One of his friends was among the injured but has since been discharged from the hospital.
"This was as near of a miss that I’ve come to in my life to being shot," Comeaux said. "UT is a big school, but it’s a small community. Everyone knows someone who was affected."
Looking Forward
In the wake of the violence, the sense of security on West Sixth Street has been shattered. Comeaux is now calling for increased police presence and better collaboration between local businesses like Buford’s and the APD to ensure student safety for the remainder of the semester.
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