The SXSW Music Festival was disrupted by tragedy today when a car plowed through a barricade and into a crowd of spectators just moments before a House Of Vans showcase featuring Tyler, The Creator was set to kick off at The Mohawk on Red River Street in Austin, Texas. Two people were killed and 23 were injured when a lone driver struck multiple people as they waited for the show to start. The suspect, whose name has not been released, will be charged with two counts of capital murder and 23 counts of aggravated assault. Austin Police Chief Art Acevedo explained the circumstances and charges to the press outside the crime scene, where he also noted that the chase began after the suspect fled a traffic stop when the officer began to check for signs of a DWI. The victims were reportedly struck as the suspect evaded the police officer in pursuit:
The accident affected the area from Red River St & 10th St near Cheer Up Charlie's and The Mowhawk - performances were being held at both venues - to 9th Street. The suspect, who reportedly attempted to flee on foot after ditching the vehicle, has since been apprehended and taken into custody. Though the tragic events that occurred just after the first official day of the music festival have been referred to as a rare occurrence, the experience was no less traumatic for event organizers, festival goers and performers affected by the violent occurrence. Tyler, The Creator vented about it on Twitter, where representatives of The Mohawk also extended their deepest sympathies:
During the press conference, Acevedo also offered his own thoughts on the events and their effect on the festival:
"We do these events very well, but you cannot stop a person who rather than face drunk driving charges decides to speed at a high rate of speed, go around a uniformed officer forcing him to run out of the way, then at a high rate of speed show total disregard for the sanctity of human life,"
Check the footage above to watch Acevedo's address to the press following the tragic events at SXSW. Stay tuned for more as details emerge.
