Another Stabbing Rocks CapMetro as Austin’s Patience Runs Out
Another Friday afternoon in Austin.
Another stabbing on a CapMetro bus.
Two people were injured in a stabbing on a CapMetro bus on South Lamar Boulevard Friday afternoon, Austin police said. Officers responded to a “shoot/stab hot shot” call in the 2000 block of South Lamar Boulevard around 1:34 p.m. and detained one person at the scene.
Austin-Travis County EMS transported two victims to local hospitals — one in critical but stable condition, the other with non-life-threatening injuries. The person detained was also taken to the hospital for evaluation.
The bus was operating on CapMetro’s Route 3, known as the “Burnet/Manchaca” route, which runs between Southpark Meadows in south Austin to the Target on Great Hills Trail in northwest Austin.
In an all-too-familiar scene, witnesses described an overwhelming emergency response — more than 10 police officers, ambulances, and fire trucks converging on the area, shutting down traffic as stunned bystanders looked on. The investigation is being handled by the Austin Police Department’s Aggravated Assault Unit.
This is not a one-off. It is the latest chapter in what has become a grim pattern of violence aboard Austin’s public transit system — and for many residents, the question is no longer whether something will happen on a CapMetro bus, but when.
A System Under Siege
The incidents have been piling up at an alarming rate.
In January, CapMetro Police identified Sergio Diaz, 45, as the suspect in a stabbing on a Northeast Austin bus on Cameron Road, in which the victim was stabbed three times — twice in the upper back and once in the upper left chest. Just days later, Vikki Lynn Osborne, 42, was arrested after stabbing a man in the mid-chest area on a bus at 5th Street and Lavaca Street on January 29, charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon.
The most shocking incident came last May, when Akshay Gupta, 30, was stabbed in the neck “without provocation” while sitting in the back of a bus near Barton Springs Road and South Lamar Boulevard. He was pronounced dead at 7:30 p.m. The suspect, Deepak Kandel, told officers he stabbed Gupta because he looked like his uncle. Gupta was a health-tech entrepreneur, a man his friends described as brilliant and giving. He was simply riding the bus home.
Since CapMetro launched its own transit police department last June, a total of 196 offenses have been recorded on the system, including 62 classified as “crimes against persons.” For a transit agency that averages about 2 million riders each month, those numbers represent a troubling reality that no rebranding effort or updated code of conduct can paper over.
The Revolving Door
What makes Austinites especially furious is not just the violence itself — it is who is committing it, and why they were on the street in the first place.
The Kandel case became a flashpoint for that anger. Court records revealed Kandel’s extensive arrest history, with prosecutors declining to prosecute him four times, filing no charges twice, and dismissing his case three additional times. His 2022 felony charges of harassment of a public servant and assault on a security officer were both dismissed — documents indicate the dismissal was due to “prosecutorial discretion.” He was homeless, bouncing through the criminal justice system without consequence, until the day he boarded a bus and killed an innocent man.
“We put in the work, we go out there, we try to hold people accountable, and then prosecutors do absolutely nothing,” said Austin Police Association President Michael Bullock.
The Travis County DA‘s office under José Garza has faced sustained criticism over its handling of exactly these kinds of cases. Criminal case data shows an increase in the overall amount of felony cases not prosecuted in Travis County in recent years under District Attorney José Garza, a trend that law enforcement unions, crime victim advocates, and now transit riders have all pointed to as a contributing factor in the cycle of repeat offenses.
In 2024 alone, Garza’s office missed the 90-day indictment deadline 263 times, resulting in 181 defendants being released on personal recognizance bonds or bonds reduced to as low as $1.
When confronted with the Kandel case specifically, the County Attorney’s Office said “all legal efforts were exhausted to protect the community and provide this individual with treatment,” pointing to struggles with the availability of state hospital beds. Critics found that answer cold comfort for a dead 30-year-old and his grieving family.
Rolling Shelters
There is a broader dynamic at work that Austin’s leaders have been reluctant to confront directly: CapMetro buses have, for many transient and mentally ill individuals, become de facto mobile shelters. Long-time riders have noted that over the years, their daily rides have become more dangerous, with homeless individuals sometimes fighting or screaming onboard, making most passengers uncomfortable. CapMetro even created a formal program providing permanent free bus passes to anyone engaged with the city’s Homelessness Response System, a well-intentioned policy that, without adequate enforcement and mental health infrastructure, has had predictable consequences.
CapMetro has responded with a series of incremental measures.
Austin had to stand up an entire police unit last year for the sole purpose of reducing the number of schizophrenic homeless people stabbing bus passengers. https://t.co/dwrL1TRfKA pic.twitter.com/0C5PNUi7qz
— Austin Justice (@AustinJustice) March 13, 2026
Last August, the agency updated its Code of Conduct, giving drivers more authority to pause service and call a supervisor if a passenger violates the rules — though CapMetro’s Chief Safety Officer acknowledged that no new safety training accompanied the policy change. The agency has also discussed improvements to lighting, visibility, and partnering with agencies to address homelessness and mental illness on the system. CapMetro CEO Dottie Watkins has repeatedly pledged action, telling her own bus operators after the Kandel murder, “If we don’t get this fixed, then fundamentally what are we doing?”
But drivers aren’t buying the reassurances. Shirley Morris, a 40-year CapMetro veteran, told the agency’s board, “I’m really scared being out there. I’m scared for my fellow operators, I’m scared for my passengers. This is getting ridiculous that we can’t get any help out there.”
Enough Is Enough
Austin residents are done waiting for solutions that never seem to materialize. The South Lamar stabbing Friday — happening on the same stretch of road where Akshay Gupta was murdered less than a year ago — feels less like a coincidence than a verdict on the city’s failures.
Hi @CapMetroATX. I’d like to hop aboard one of your buses tomorrow (Saturday, March 14th) and head downtown for some of the free @sxsw events. What assurances can you give me that I won’t have a knife blade thrust into me while otherwise enjoying the ride? Thanks. @ATP_org pic.twitter.com/4cNPBDvj9c
— Scott Hendrix (@MrScottHendrix) March 14, 2026
Passengers deserve to ride a bus without fearing for their lives. Drivers deserve to do their jobs without serving as the last line of defense against violence. And the families of victims deserve a justice system that takes repeat, dangerous offenders off the street before they strike again.
Until city leaders, CapMetro, and the Travis County DA’s office reckon seriously with all three of those failures — not with press releases and revised conduct codes, but with real accountability — Friday’s bloodshed on South Lamar will not be the last.
Ahead of the South by Southwest (SXSW) festival, a group of activists gathered in downtown Austin this past Thursday to protest the city’s recent “sweeps” of homeless encampments and the closure of local services.
Advocacy group VOCAL-TX argues that the city is prioritizing its image for the massive influx of festival visitors over the well-being of its low-income residents. To drive the point home, the group set up a “mock encampment” exhibit, featuring real clothing and written testimonies to highlight the personal toll of these displacements. (Austin American-Statesman)
Good morning, travelers!
— Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (@AustinAirport) March 14, 2026
It is busy in the terminal this morning.
We are seeing long lines for TSA screening and airline bag check-in.
Please arrive at least 2.5 before your flight, and give yourself plenty of time to complete any pre-security screening activities. pic.twitter.com/Hj5fgwOEfJ
We continue to see longer-than-usual lines at TSA checkpoints this morning. Please arrive early & be prepared to wait.
— Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (@AustinAirport) March 14, 2026
We appreciate your patience as our teams assist with queuing while TSA safely & effectively screens every traveler. pic.twitter.com/N6gkt80dyN
Due to the government shutdown, there is currently a 3+ hour wait to get through TSA to fly out of Austin, TX.
— Whitney Lindsay (@Linzwhitney) March 14, 2026
PSA: If you’re flying out of here (or most U.S. airports), give yourself extra time. pic.twitter.com/FXj7XXyq0L
⚠️High Passenger Volume Alert: March 14 will be a busy day at AUS, with about 30,000 departing passengers, roughly 50% more than a typical Saturday.
— Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (@AustinAirport) March 13, 2026
The busiest time will be 4–8 a.m.
Please arrive at least 2.5 hours before your flight and allow extra time for TSA screening. pic.twitter.com/2GgdxgP0Xb
If you're flying out of the @AustinAirport soon, give yourself plenty of time and be prepared to wait in lines for security, bag check & other services.
— Mayor Kirk Watson (@KirkPWatson) March 13, 2026
Airports across the country have faced TSA security wait times that exceed 3 hours. While AUS has not seen extended periods… https://t.co/2hxy2FdYNW
NEW: Line to get into the Austin airport goes out the door and down the street due to staffing issues because of the Democrat DHS shutdown.
— Collin Rugg (@CollinRugg) March 13, 2026
35,000 passengers are expected to travel at the Austin airport on Friday.
“The staffing levels that are affected are going to be those… pic.twitter.com/ybSAEGwnds
In other news out of ABIA, Southwest Airlines will end its nonstop route from Austin to Chicago O’Hare as parts of wider cuts to “refine its network.”
The airline announced it will discontinue all service to O’Hare, as well as Washington Dulles, effective June 4. Southwest currently operates the AUS-ORD route but does not fly directly from AUS to Dulles. (Southwest Airlines)
Austin City Council members are considering banning face covering for all law enforcement officers as part of a broader effort to monitor federal immigration agents operating in the city, according to a council memorandum published Friday.
Several accidents to report on beginning with early this morning in Manor.
A motorcyclist is dead following a crash Friday on FM 973.
Earlier Friday, a crash on Highway 183 injured three people, one seriously.
Serious MVC hwy 183/laws rd. (0938) #atcemsmedics are transporting two adult patients with minor injures to St David’s South Austin Hospital. Starflight has transported one patient to Seton Hayes Hospital w/ serious injuries. https://t.co/Ubxx2vVwxu
— ATCEMS (@ATCEMS) March 13, 2026
A Williamson County jury sentenced a Round Rock man to life in prison Wednesday for the sexual assault of a child after prosecutors said he abused a position of trust to repeatedly assault the victim over several years. (Austin American-Statesman)
Austin Police (APD) Detectives are seeking the public’s assistance in identifying a male suspect involved in a Robbery by Assault that occurred on Sunday, March 8.
APD is also requesting the public’s help with identifying a suspect in connection to a Collision Involving Bodily Injury that occurred on January 16 downtown.
Iconic film director Steven Spielberg announced at SXSW yesterday he’s working on his first western.
Steven Spielberg Says He's Developing a 'Kick Ass' Western Movie and Got Excited When Obama Said Aliens Are Real: 'This Is So Great For "Disclosure Day"' https://t.co/h7JWmsaQws
— Variety (@Variety) March 13, 2026
Electric car company @Rivian has taken over a portion of Congress Ave. to create an all-terrain course for their new R2 SUV. Makes for quite the sight from above! pic.twitter.com/i5dvyKaowz
— Nick Bannin (@nickbannin) March 13, 2026
sxsw exhibit for the @zoox robotaxi – this vehicle will be launching for public rides in austin in a couple months
— marshall geyer (@marshallgeyer) March 13, 2026
wireless phone chargers next to all 4 seats, sliding doors, bidirectional movement, will be able to order them on the zoox app instead of waymo's uber lottery pic.twitter.com/dT4fniCIV4
Four top picks at SXSW that are free and open to the public.
Actor John Goodman was seen serving hot dogs from a food truck downtown during SXSW.
Over 60 volunteers helped plant trees at Zilker Park Friday to help provide shade during the hot summer months.
Alert: Texas A&M Forest Service is responding to a request for assistance in Starr County on the #GarciasCampFire. The fire is an estimated 150 acres and 0% contained. #txfire pic.twitter.com/9Uql1WrMAQ
— Incident Information – Texas A&M Forest Service (@AllHazardsTFS) March 13, 2026
UPDATE: That fire is now almost under control.
WEATHER
FRIDAY’S HIGH / LOW TEMPERATURES
AUSTIN-BERGSTROM INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT
CAMP MABRY
5-DAY FORECAST / AUSTIN, TEXAS
Texas Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick is pushing state health officials to block Camp Mystic from reopening this summer, urging Department of State Health Services Commissioner Jennifer Shuford in a letter not to renew the Kerrville camp’s operating license until a legislative investigation into last July’s deadly flooding is complete.
On Friday, State Senator Paul Bettencourt issued a forceful public statement, calling for Harris County Judge Linda Hidalgo to resign in the wake of her claims she was physically shoved and threatened with arrest by security staff at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo.
The incident occurred during the sold-out Megan Moroney concert on March 10. Hidalgo and her group attempted to access the premium “dirt” floor area without valid chute seat tickets — a $425-per-person premium section — and were directed back to their assigned suite.
Confusion over the state’s school voucher program’s special education requirements is making it difficult for families to meet a looming deadline — and creating more work for Texas school districts. (Texas Tribune)
College Station‘s skyline may soon grow taller with a $125 million student-oriented housing project near Texas A&M’s Northgate district.
Texas Southern University’s athletic director, Kevin Granger, has been fired less than a year after he was sued for allegedly assaulting a university staff member. (Houston Public Media)
KSAT-TV in San Antonio had to report on its own meteorologist’s arrest for allegedly breaking the nose of a family member.
KSAT Meteorologist Elliot Wilson arrested, accused of assault https://t.co/OUlCFmU3yg
— KSAT 12 (@ksatnews) March 14, 2026
A group of protesters in Dallas were found guilty of providing support for terrorism and other charges on Friday in a closely watched case in which prosecutors alleged anti-ICE activists were actually part of an antifa cell.
Texas is an anti-worker state, and working Texans are tired of being trampled by billionaire-bought politicians and interests. You can see it in support of a more affordable Texas: public education that sets our children up for success, quality jobs that pay a living wage, environmental protections that shield us all from pollution, and justice for our citizen and immigrant neighbors under attack.
The fellas discuss the moves and countermoves of the U.S. Senate’s fight over the filibuster, Lina Hidalgo getting booted from the Houston rodeo, and two looming lobby-turned-political fights ahead of the 90th Legislative Session.
(Episode from March 13, 2026)
00:00 Show Preview: Dallas City Hall Fight, TX-33 Runoff, Corpus Christi Water Crisis
01:01 Show Open – Inside Texas Politics
01:06 Headlines: Corpus Christi Water Shortage & Possible State Takeover
01:30 Wise County Pushes Back on Texas Data Centers
01:56 Republicans Target Democrat James Talarico
02:21 TX-33 Democratic Runoff: Colin Allred vs Julie Johnson
02:49 Colin Allred on Criticism of Political Opportunism
05:37 Allred on Senate Race, Service, and James Talarico
06:36 Julie Johnson on Trailing Allred in the Primary
07:50 Johnson on Key Differences Between Her and Allred
09:15 Debate Over DHS Funding and ICE Policy
10:22 Roundtable: Could the TX-33 Runoff Be Close?
11:16 Gas Prices, Iran Strikes, and Political Fallout
13:16 Dallas City Hall Controversy & Possible NBA Arena Site
13:42 Dallas Councilman Maxie Johnson on Future of City Hall
18:11 Roundtable: Texas Water Crisis and Data Center Growth
What was expected to be a sleepy election instead delivered record-breaking turnout, historic numbers of runoffs, and warning signs for both parties heading into November.
(Episode from March 13, 2026)
SPORTS
final/11 | Ole Miss 9, Texas 8
— Texas Baseball (@TexasBaseball) March 14, 2026
COLLEGE BASEBALL: There’s a first time for everything.
The second-ranked University of Texas baseball team dropped its first contest of the season, falling to Ole Miss, 9-8 in 11 innings at UFCU Disch-Falk Field on Friday night. With the loss, the Longhorns’ season-opening winning streak was halted at 16 games, matching Texas’ best start to a season since 2005. (Texas Longhorns)
Game 2 of the series is today at 2:30 p.m.
THE COOGS ARE HEADED BACK TO THE 'SHIP 🏆@UHCougarMBK will look to repeat as Big 12 Men's Basketball Tournament Champions.
— Big 12 Conference (@Big12Conference) March 14, 2026
Our Championship is official. The rematch is set. No. 1-seed Arizona vs. No. 2 seed Houston.#Big12MBB | @Phillips66Gas pic.twitter.com/esofMsGKCk
NBA: A rebound win for the Houston Rockets last night.
Kevin Durant hit a go-ahead 18-footer with 7.6 seconds left and the Houston Rockets outlasted the New Orleans Pelicans 107-105 on Friday night to move into third place in the crowded Western Conference. (Associated Press via MSN)
In Dallas last night…
The Mavericks and Rockets are off today. San Antonio hosts Charlotte.
STANDINGS
NHL: The Dallas Stars host Detroit tonight.
MLS: The VERDE and Black are back in action tonight.
Austin FC is back on the road for the team’s second away match of the season this Saturday at America First Field, when the VERDE & Black will take on Real Salt Lake at 7:30 p.m. MT/8:30 p.m. CT. (Austin FC)
This week, Steph and Mike take us through :
- Away ‘fits – feat: a surprising BHI model moment
- a celly rating????????
- Social Media Standouts
- An Opponent Spotlight with Micaela Miot of 10K Shakespeare and Bowls with the Bard
And finally, The Man of Steph’s Jersey.
(Episode from March 13, 2026)
10 Legendary TEXAS Radio Stations from the 70s That Went Silent
In the 1970s, radio was the soundtrack of everyday life across Texas. From rock and country to local news and late-night talk, radio stations connected communities, shaped culture, and introduced listeners to new music long before streaming and digital media.
This video explores 10 legendary Texas radio stations from the 1970s that eventually went silent. These stations once dominated the airwaves in cities like Houston, Dallas, Austin, and San Antonio, becoming a daily companion for commuters, teenagers, and families across the state.
From powerful AM signals to early FM pioneers, these stations helped define the music, voices, and energy of the decade. But as technology changed and media landscapes shifted, many of them faded away, leaving behind memories for the listeners who grew up with them.
