Austin, Texas, September 12, 2025
News Summary
A shooting incident in Austin has left one woman in critical condition and a police officer injured. Suspect Brandon Thompson faces serious charges, including attempted capital murder. The situation led to a lengthy manhunt and a shelter-in-place order, raising questions about community safety and communication protocols.
Austin, Texas – A shooting incident in the early hours of Wednesday, September 10, 2025, has resulted in serious charges against a 30-year-old suspect, Brandon Thompson, and raised concerns about community safety. The incident occurred at approximately 5:20 a.m. near Zilker Park in the 700 block of Azie Morton Road.
Thompson has been charged with attempted capital murder of a peace officer and burglary of a residence. The events unfolded when Senior Police Officer Adam Reinhart, who has served with the Austin Police Department for over six years, was assisting in the repossession of a stolen vehicle. It was during this process that Thompson shot a woman in the back of the head before directing gunfire at Officer Reinhart.
Officer Reinhart sustained injuries from the gunfire and underwent surgery. He is currently recovering in a local hospital, where he is reported to be in stable condition. Meanwhile, the woman reportedly shot by Thompson is in critical condition, and her survival remains in doubt.
Following the shooting, Thompson fled into a wooded area, prompting a lengthy manhunt involving SWAT teams. During this pursuit, he attempted to break into a residence in the Barton Hills neighborhood. The homeowner, defending himself, shot Thompson in the arm and leg. The homeowner has not faced any legal repercussions for their actions.
In a media briefing, Police Chief Lisa Davis expressed gratitude for Officer Reinhart’s condition and commended the homeowner for protecting their property. However, the situation escalated the need for public safety and communication protocols in the aftermath of the incident.
A shelter-in-place order was issued for Barton Hills and surrounding areas during the manhunt but was lifted prematurely, which caused confusion among parents and students at Barton Hills Elementary School. The Austin Independent School District (AISD) Police facilitated the management of safety protocols during the incident. However, parents voiced frustration regarding the communication breakdown concerning the shelter-in-place directive. AISD confirmed that a message regarding the order was incorrectly sent around 7 a.m., causing confusion just as children were being transported to schools.
AISD has promised a thorough review of the incident and plans to enhance communication procedures for future scenarios to ensure student safety. Meanwhile, an ongoing investigation is exploring Thompson’s motives during the shooting, and officials indicate that more charges may be forthcoming.
This incident marks another chapter in Thompson’s criminal history, which includes arrests for possession of controlled substances, stolen vehicles, and evading police. As the situation develops, a press conference is scheduled for Friday at 12:30 p.m., where further updates on the case will be provided by the police department.
Community Concerns and Future Actions
As the investigation unfolds, the local community remains on edge, seeking clarity and reassurance from law enforcement about safety measures in the area. The impact of such violent encounters raises broader questions about public safety and the adequacy of police response protocols during emergencies.
Key Date and Details
- Date of Incident: September 10, 2025
- Time: Approximately 5:20 a.m.
- Location: 700 block of Azie Morton Road, near Zilker Park
- Charges against Brandon Thompson: Attempted capital murder of a peace officer, burglary of a residence
- Current Condition of Officer Reinhart: Stable after surgery
- Current Condition of the Woman Shot: Critical condition, unlikely to survive
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Additional Resources
- KXAN
- Wikipedia: Austin, Texas
- Statesman
- Google Search: Austin police shooting
- Fox 7 Austin
- Google Scholar: Officer involved shooting Austin
- CBS Austin
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Austin Texas shooting
- Statesman
- Google News: Austin Texas news
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.
