Barton Hills/Zilker Park Gunman Has A Lengthy Criminal History
Austin police have identified the suspect in Wednesday morning’s shooting that injured an officer and a woman near Zilker Park as 30-year-old Brandon Thompson, who is now facing serious felony charges following a dramatic manhunt that lasted several hours.
The Incident
According to Austin Police Chief Lisa Davis, the incident began when Officer Adam Reinhart encountered Thompson and ordered him to show his hands. Thompson then allegedly shot the woman, reported to be Thompson’s girlfriend, in the head and then opened fire at Reinhart. Thompson then ran away prompting a manhunt from APD to find him.
Police said the officer who was shot is in stable condition. A woman who was also shot suffered life-threatening injuries, Chief Lisa Davis said. Officer Reinhart was rushed to Dell Seton Hospital for emergency surgery and is reportedly recovering.
The Manhunt and Arrest
Following the initial shooting, Thompson fled the scene, triggering an extensive manhunt involving multiple law enforcement agencies across South Austin. He was taken into custody after another shooting at a south Austin home, hours after the original incident, according to police.
During the manhunt, Thompson was spotted near local schools, causing concern among parents and residents.
The search lasted approximately three hours before Thompson was finally apprehended.
During the search, there were confusing and conflicting messages being sent to parents in the Barton Hills neighborhood.
Criminal Charges and Background
Brandon Thompson is charged with Attempted Capital Murder of a Peace Officer and Burglary of a Residence, both first-degree felonies. Police said he was in custody at the hospital Thursday.
Court records reveal Thompson has an extensive criminal history.
A source with the Austin Police Department confirmed with KXAN-TV Thompson is experiencing homelessness.
Police Response
Police Chief Lisa Davis characterized the incident as traumatic for the department and the community. The Austin Police Association has noted the serious nature of the attack on law enforcement.
Austin police are expected to hold a news conference today to release additional information about the shooting and investigation. The case remains under active investigation as authorities work to piece together the complete sequence of events.
The Austin City Council conducted one of its most comprehensive meetings of the year on Thursday, approving over $100 million in contracts and major policy initiatives spanning energy, housing, public health, and urban development. The lengthy session, which included 74 agenda items, demonstrated the breadth of municipal governance as Austin continues managing rapid growth while pursuing ambitious sustainability and affordability goals.
Energy and Environmental Initiatives Lead Financial Commitments
The Council’s largest single policy area investment focused on energy and environmental programs, with Austin Energy receiving authorization for multiple major initiatives totaling over $14 million annually.
The utility secured approval for $7.2 million in energy efficiency rebates for Fiscal Year 2025-2026, divided between $3.83 million for multifamily programs and $3.375 million for commercial programs. This represents a significant commitment to reducing energy consumption across Austin’s building stock.
Complementing the efficiency investments, the Council approved $7.3 million in solar incentives, with $5.3 million allocated for customer-sited commercial solar installations and $2 million for multifamily solar projects. These combined investments of over $14.5 million demonstrate Austin’s continued leadership in municipal clean energy programs.
Austin Energy also received approval for a $3 million contract with E-hazard Management LLC for arc flash studies and hazard assessment services, reflecting ongoing grid safety modernization efforts.
Environmental protection extended beyond energy, with approval of a four-year, $400,000 agreement with the Colorado River Alliance for educational activities protecting Austin’s primary water source. Austin Water additionally secured a $921,500 contract with Baseform Inc. for wastewater flow calculation software.
Housing Policy Undergoes Major Reforms
Housing affordability dominated much of the Council’s policy discussion, with multiple initiatives approved to address Austin’s ongoing housing crisis.
The most significant housing action involved extending the City of Austin Homestead Preservation District Zone Number One for an additional ten years while dramatically increasing its affordable housing contribution from 20% to 40% of tax increment revenue. This change could generate millions of additional dollars for affordable housing programs over the district’s extended life.
A companion resolution authorizes city staff to establish new homestead preservation districts in areas meeting eligibility criteria under Texas Local Government Code Chapter 373A and to study feasibility of establishing homestead preservation reinvestment zones.
The Council also approved comprehensive changes to naturally occurring affordable housing (NOAH) preservation policies, directing staff to prepare City Code amendments modifying relocation assistance requirements for residents of existing multifamily properties undergoing redevelopment through density bonus programs.
In a related housing action, the Council approved $1.4 million in contracts with El Buen Samaritano Episcopal and Cortez Consulting Services for the Displacement Prevention Navigator Program, aimed at helping residents avoid displacement.
The Austin Housing Finance Corporation approved $25 million in multifamily housing revenue bonds for the Sycamores at Pleasant Valley development, continuing the city’s efforts to finance affordable housing projects. The development, located at 5901 South Pleasant Valley Road, received both bond authorization and approval through the public hearing process.
Technology and Infrastructure: Massive Contract Approvals
The Council approved some of its largest technology and infrastructure contracts of the year, reflecting Austin’s continued investment in municipal capabilities.
The most substantial technology commitment involved authorizing $83.5 million across 29 contracts for temporary technology staffing, with $18 million in increases primarily supporting Austin Energy operations. This included both new contracts with four vendors and amendments extending 25 existing cooperative contracts.
Additional technology investments included $10 million for hardware, software, and services through the State of Texas cooperative program, $2.7 million for Bluebeam software services across all city departments, and $752,000 for database monitoring software.
Infrastructure contracts totaled over $10 million, including $2.1 million for the West 35th Street Water and Wastewater Pipeline Renewal project and $7.4 million for the ratified Ladybird Lake-Canterbury at Mildred Street improvements.
The Council also approved $58.15 million across four contracts for HVAC maintenance and services citywide, demonstrating the substantial ongoing operational costs of maintaining Austin’s municipal facilities.
Public Health and Social Services Expansion
Public health initiatives received significant attention and funding, with multiple contracts approved to expand city services.
Austin Public Health secured four contracts totaling over $2 million for senior aging services through 2030, partnering with Central Texas Food Bank, Family Eldercare Inc., The Austin Geriatric Center, and Asian American Community Health Initiative.
The department also received approval for contract amendments expanding harm reduction and youth services, including $600,000 additional funding for Texas Harm Reduction Alliance and $620,000 for Life Anew Restorative Justice programs.
The Downtown Austin Community Court expanded its reentry and recovery support services with a $50,000 agreement with The Other Ones Foundation and a $266,174 contract with Communities for Recovery Inc. for peer-based recovery support services.
Comprehensive Zoning and Development Actions
The Council’s afternoon zoning session resulted in approval of multiple major development projects, signaling continued development pressure across Austin.
Major Mixed-Use Developments
The 500 South Congress Planned Unit Development received unanimous approval, rezoning properties at 400, 500, and 510 South Congress Avenue along with adjacent parcels for a major mixed-use project in the urban core.
West 34th Street Corridor Transformation
The Council approved four related zoning cases transforming the West 34th Street corridor, allowing increased density and building heights from 60 feet to 90-120 feet through density bonus programs. The projects, collectively known as “34th and West,” involve properties along West 34th Street, West Avenue, and Grandview Street, representing one of the largest corridor rezoning initiatives of the year.
South Austin Development
The 4811 SOCO project received approval for both Future Land Use Map amendments and rezoning, changing the land use designation from residential to Mixed Use and allowing increased density along South Congress Avenue.
East Austin Projects
The 6th and Lamar project received approval with amendments, involving properties at 600 North Lamar Boulevard and surrounding parcels for transit-oriented development.
Postponements and Community Engagement
Several significant zoning cases were postponed, indicating ongoing community engagement. Red River Street projects affecting 4305-4309 Red River Street were postponed at Council Member Qadri’s request, while the 1700 South Lamar project was postponed at neighborhood request, demonstrating the Council’s responsiveness to community concerns.
Regulatory Updates and Code Changes
The Council approved several significant regulatory changes affecting daily Austin operations.
Short-Term Rental Reform
A comprehensive ordinance repealing and replacing City Code Chapter 4-23 was approved, establishing new regulations for short-term rental owners, operators, and platforms with updated penalties and enforcement mechanisms.
Graffiti Enforcement
New graffiti regulations were approved with amendments, updating definitions, establishing notice procedures, and creating new enforcement mechanisms for graffiti removal on transportation infrastructure.
Council Operations
The Council approved amendments to City Code Chapter 2-5 defining external Council bodies, clarifying appointment procedures, and modifying operational definitions for city boards and commissions.
Arts, Culture, and Special Events
Cultural investments included $200,000 for Austin Sister Cities International coordination and multiple fee waivers for community events including Zilker Theatre Productions, South by Southwest 2026 preparation, and various cultural festivals.
The Council approved waivers for events ranging from The Peruvian Dance Marinera to The Central Texas Custom Bicycle Festival, demonstrating continued support for Austin’s cultural diversity.
Financial Services and Legal Matters
The Council approved multiple financial service contracts, including $13 million for merchant card processing services, $4.065 million for actuarial and consulting services for benefit programs, and various agreements supporting city operations.
Legal matters included a $124,000 amendment for legal services in ongoing appellate litigation and settlement approval for the Chapman v. City of Austin case.
Analysis: Strategic Priorities and Long-Term Implications
Thursday’s meeting reveals several key strategic directions for Austin city government:
Sustainability Leadership Confirmed
The combined $14+ million annual investment in energy efficiency and solar incentives represents one of the largest municipal clean energy commitments in Texas. Combined with ongoing grid modernization investments evidenced by technology contracts, Austin continues positioning itself as a national leader in municipal sustainability.
Housing Crisis Response Intensifies
The doubling of affordable housing funding from homestead preservation districts represents a significant policy shift that could generate millions in additional revenue. Combined with displacement prevention programs and continued housing finance corporation activity, Austin is deploying multiple tools to address affordability challenges.
Infrastructure Investment Strategy
The over $100 million in approved contracts reflects a city actively investing in technological capabilities and physical infrastructure to support continued growth. The substantial technology staffing investments, particularly for Austin Energy, suggest preparation for major utility modernization initiatives.
Development Pressure Management
The concentration of approved zoning changes along transit corridors like West 34th Street and South Congress indicates Austin’s strategy of channeling growth toward appropriate high-density areas. However, the multiple postponements also demonstrate community engagement remains a significant factor in development decisions.
Public Health Expansion
The substantial investments in public health services, harm reduction, and social services reflect Austin’s broader approach to addressing urban challenges beyond traditional municipal services.
Procedural and Governance Notes
The meeting included an Austin Housing Finance Corporation session, executive session for economic development negotiations, and extensive public hearings demonstrating Austin’s commitment to transparent governance processes.
Several items were withdrawn or indefinitely postponed, including a $250,000 homelessness data framework contract and the 6500 River Place development amendment, indicating ongoing refinement of proposals before Council consideration.
Financial Impact and Budget Implications
The approved items represent over $100 million in financial commitments, with most funding available in Fiscal Year 2025-2026 budgets. Many multi-year contracts include contingency language requiring future budget approval, demonstrating fiscal responsibility while enabling long-term planning.
The diversity of funding sources—from Austin Energy operations to Hotel Occupancy Tax revenue to federal grant programs—illustrates Austin’s sophisticated approach to municipal finance.
Looking Forward
Key items returning for future consideration include the postponed Red River and South Lamar zoning cases on September 25, ongoing South by Southwest preparations for March 2026, and implementation of the various policy initiatives approved.
The next Austin City Council meeting is scheduled for September 25, 2025, with several postponed zoning cases and routine business expected for consideration.
A man who was injured after a tractor-trailer hit an overpass in Georgetown has died.
The Austin Police Department’s Narcotics Support Unit arrested a suspect in connection with a prolonged investigation into drug trafficking and distribution in Downtown and East Austin last week.
The Austin Police Department is searching for a suspect related to a traffic fatality that happened in southeast Austin in June, the department announced on Thursday.
A Georgetown man was sentenced Tuesday after he was found guilty of five counts of possession of child pornography, the Williamson County District Attorney’s Office announced. (KVUE-TV)
Capital Area Crime Stoppers announced the arrest of a robbery suspect they had been looking for,
WEATHER
THURSDAY’S HIGH / LOW TEMPERATURES
AUSTIN-BERGSTROM INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT
CAMP MABRY
5-DAY FORECAST / AUSTIN, TEXAS
This hurricane season is now pacing a bit behind the historical average. Six named storms have formed in the Atlantic basin, and only Erin strengthened into a hurricane. By this point in the year, there are typically eight named storms and three hurricanes.
TEXAS DROUGHT MONITOR
The Texas Education Agency recently ruled that school nurses can provide basic health services to students without requiring prior parental consent.
A non-district game between Burbank and Luling was canceled Thursday night after a threat toward the teams was made on social media, representatives from both schools said.
The game has not yet been rescheduled.
The professor fired from Texas A&M University on Tuesday over a contentious lesson on gender is appealing her termination.
Pressure is building against the school’s president.
A Texas city council member is facing fierce backlash after sharing an old quote from conservative commentator Charlie Kirk, in which he appeared to defend gun deaths as an unfortunate but acceptable cost for preserving Second Amendment rights. (My San Antonio)
Polling released this week by the Texas Politics Project at the University of Texas shows voters’ early perceptions of some declared and potential candidates in the 2026 U.S. Senate race. It also touches on current office holders.
The latest on the dismissal of a Texas A&M professor and the removal of two top administrators after political pressure over what was being taught in a children’s literature class – an incident that has led to concern about academic freedom.
The impact of SpaceX launches in South Texas is felt across the border in Mexico, where some officials are even weighing legal action against the company.
Tech expert Omar Gallaga on how Facebook is bringing back one of its earliest features, the “poke,” to appeal to Gen Z.
The use of facial recognition technology in Juárez is raising red flags.
(Episode from September 11, 2025)
The murder of political activist Charlie Kirk on a college campus in Utah was an act of domestic terrorism that tears at the very fabric of our country, and threatens to escalate what is already a highly troublesome degree of political polarity. It should be, and has been, condemned by voices across the political spectrum – but it is also likely to be used as a catalyst or excuse for more political violence by parties uninterested in peace or unity.
At Progress Texas, we condemn this horrible crime, pray for Charlie Kirk’s family, and expect full justice to be done.
The Texas Department of Public Safety has shifted from Biden-era border enforcement to helping expel people from the country, a job once exclusively done by federal authorities.
What’s next for Texas and THC?
A Texas doctor, who was one of the first in the nation to be accused of illegally providing care to transgender youth under new Republican-backed bans, has been cleared of wrongdoing, according to the office of Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton. This decision comes nearly a year after the state filed a lawsuit against the physician. (Texas Tribune)
A new vending machine in downtown Corpus Christi dispenses free Narcan 24/7, giving the public access to life-saving overdose reversal medication.
There are currently at least 112 veterans behind bars at the Bexar County jail, according to data made available because of a new state law that went into effect last week.
SPORTS
COLLEGE FOOTBALL: Texas is favored to win tomorrow by 40 points against UTEP. How can the Longhorns stay motivated against outmatched opponents?
Texas Longhorns Football – UTEP Preview | LIVE | 9/12/25
MLB: As the Texas Rangers are getting hot at the right time, the Houston Astros seem to be doing the opposite.
Kevin Gausman pitched a two-hitter for his fourth career complete game, Davis Schneider homered and drove in two runs, and the Toronto Blue Jays beat the struggling Houston Astros 6-0 on Thursday. The Astros are 4-6 so far in the month of September.
The Texas Rangers had the day off Thursday.
ON THE SCHEDULE
AL WEST STANDINGS
WILD CARD RACE
HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL: Scores from Thursday night action in the ATX.
Burbank at Luling, CANCELED
Buda Johnson 34, Austin High 0
Hendrickson 42, Buda Hays 41
Hewitt Midway 38, Rouse 28
New Braunfels Long Creek 55, Crockett 26
Travis 55, Navarro 0
TONGIHT
Westlake at Atascocita
Dallas Pinkston at McCallum
Cedar Ridge at Hutto
Llano at Florence
Georgetown at Killeen Chaparral
Leander at Glenn
East View at Lake Belton
Smithville at Gonzales
Salado at Geronimo Navarro
Travis at LBJ
Manor New Tech at Eastside
Lago Vista at Jarrell
Ranger, Texas in Eastland County, was a quiet little town at the start of WWI but by the time it was over the discovery of oil dramatically transformed the landscape. Today we visit this town to see what’s left after all these years.
