austin tx, September 13, 2025
News Summary
A violent altercation at Zilker Park ended with Brandon Thompson identified as the shooter who opened fire on Officer Adam Reinhart during a curfew check. The incident escalated, leading to Thompson being injured by a homeowner while attempting to evade capture. His partner, Kay Smith, was critically injured in the encounter. Thompson, with a history of criminal activity, now faces serious charges including attempted capital murder. The incident marks a troubling trend of officer-involved shootings in the city.
Austin police have identified Brandon Leigh Thompson, 30, as the shooter involved in a violent incident at Zilker Park on September 10, 2023. The altercation escalated when Thompson reportedly opened fire on Officer Adam Reinhart during a curfew check in the park early in the morning, leading to a manhunt and further violence.
Following the shooting, Thompson was injured after being shot by a homeowner while attempting to evade authorities in the Barton Hills neighborhood. He was subsequently treated at a nearby hospital for his gunshot wounds. During the incident, Thompson was accompanied by his partner, Kay Smith, 31, who was tragically shot in the back of the head during the clash with Officer Reinhart. Although both survived the initial ordeal, Smith has since been declared brain dead.
Thompson has a documented history of criminal activity, with multiple incidents involving law enforcement dating back to 2020. His record includes charges for drug possession and vehicle theft. Notably, back in April 2021, he was arrested for deadly conduct and discharging a firearm, but authorities did not pursue charges due to a lack of evidence. Other charges related to unauthorized vehicle use and evading arrest have also surfaced but were dismissed or went uncharged for similar reasons.
The latest legal woes for Thompson surround serious charges, including attempted capital murder of a peace officer and burglary of a residence, both classified as first-degree felonies. Police Chief Lisa Davis indicated that further charges relating to the shooting of Smith may be forthcoming as the investigation continues. Meanwhile, Officer Reinhart is recovering from the gunshot injury he sustained during the encounter and has been placed on administrative leave.
The tense situation unfolded around 3:30 a.m. when Officer Reinhart initiated a curfew check at Zilker Park, where he found Thompson and Smith. Body camera footage from the incident captured Thompson firing shots in the direction of Officer Reinhart, hitting him in the abdomen. A manhunt was immediately launched for Thompson following the shooting.
By 7:44 a.m., a suspicious person report from a local elementary school led authorities to Thompson’s whereabouts, which prompted a school lockdown. As officers closed in, Thompson broke into a nearby residence, where he was shot by the homeowner while attempting to steal their vehicle. The handgun used during the shooting has been recovered and is now part of the ongoing investigation.
The incident is notable as it marks the fifth officer-involved shooting in Austin this year, all involving armed suspects. The Austin Police Department has initiated two investigations into the shooting: a criminal investigation focusing on the incident’s facts and an administrative review of the officers’ actions during the incident.
As the investigation progresses, authorities are working to piece together the chaotic series of events that resulted in the severe injuries of both Officer Reinhart and Smith, as well as the subsequent shooting of Thompson by the homeowner.
FAQ
Who is Brandon Leigh Thompson?
Brandon Leigh Thompson is a 30-year-old man identified as the shooter in a recent incident at Zilker Park in Austin.
What happened at Zilker Park?
On September 10, 2023, during a curfew check, Thompson opened fire on Officer Adam Reinhart, resulting in a shooting that left the officer injured and led to a manhunt for Thompson.
What charges does Thompson face?
Thompson faces charges for attempted capital murder of a peace officer and burglary of a residence, both first-degree felonies.
What is known about Kay Smith?
Kay Smith, Thompson’s partner, was shot in the incident and has sadly been declared brain dead following the attack.
What investigations are ongoing?
The Austin Police Department is conducting a criminal investigation into the shooting as well as an administrative review regarding the officers’ actions during the incident.
Key Features of the Incident
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Date | September 10, 2023 |
| Shooter | Brandon Leigh Thompson, 30 |
| Location | Zilker Park, Austin |
| Injured Officer | Officer Adam Reinhart |
| Passenger | Kay Smith, 31 (brain dead) |
| Charges against Thompson | Attempted capital murder, burglary |
| Ongoing Investigations | Criminal and administrative |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Shooting Incident Near Zilker Park in Austin
Officer-Involved Shooting in Austin Leaves One Dead and One Injured
Shooting Incident at Zilker Park Injures Officer and Woman
Austin Police Identify Suspect in Officer-Involved Shooting
Homeowner Confronts Suspect During Dramatic Police Manhunt in Austin
Shooting Incident in Austin Raises Community Safety Concerns
Barton Hills Elementary Responds to Nearby Shooting
Austin Residents Confused by Emergency Alerts Following Shooting Incident
Officer Involved Shooting Near Zilker Park Results in Injuries
Manhunt Underway After Police Officer and Civilian Shot in Austin
Additional Resources
- KVUE News
- Wikipedia: Austin
- Austin American-Statesman
- Google Search: Brandon Leigh Thompson
- FOX 7 Austin
- Google Scholar: Officer-involved shooting
- CBS Austin
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Zilker Park
- Austin American-Statesman
- Google News: Austin police shooting
Author: STAFF HERE AUSTIN WRITER
The AUSTIN STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAustinTX.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Austin, Travis County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as SXSW, Austin City Limits Music Festival, Formula 1 United States Grand Prix, and the Austin Film Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Austin Chamber of Commerce and Visit Austin, plus leading businesses in technology, automotive, and retail that power the local economy such as Dell Technologies, Tesla, and Apple. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERECollegeStation.com, HEREDallas.com, HEREHouston.com, and HERESanAntonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
