AUSTIN — Austin EMS are responding to a call of multiple people stabbed on the 500 block of South Congress Ave.
The stabbing happened around 8:15 a.m. in the morning at the Freebird's in the area.
They said that crews on scene are reporting four people being treated and prepped for transport.
They said that one man in his 20s was pronounced dead on the scene. A man in his 50s was transported to the hospital with life-threatening injuries.
They added that two other patients have yet to be transported. The Austin Police Department said a suspect is in custody.
Law enforcement said the suspect was detained by civilians outside a coffee shop after an altercation.
They said that the suspect was able to get away from them and started stabbing people inside the Freebird's.
Police added that after the stabbing, the suspect got on top of the restaurant and jumped off the roof. His injuries are unknown at this time.
Austin police said this is the first homicide of 2020.
Governor Greg Abbott tweeted later in the day about the stabbing, accusing the suspect of being a homeless man with prior arrests.
He said, "When all facts are revealed I bet you’ll learn that the killer was a homeless man with prior arrests. If so Austin’s reckless homeless policy puts lives in danger to murders like this. Austin leaders must answer for their perilous policies."
When all facts are revealed I bet you’ll learn that the killer was a homeless man with prior arrests.
— Greg Abbott (@GregAbbott_TX) January 3, 2020
If so Austin’s reckless homeless policy puts lives in danger to murders like this.
Austin leaders must answer for their perilous policies.https://t.co/LftWzOAaKg
