Hostage situation leaves 2 dead in Austin, Texas

File – Members of the Austin Police Department are pictured. (Eric Gay / AP Photo)

OAN Newsroom
UPDATED 8:21 AM PT – Wednesday, January 27, 2021

Authorities in Texas are investigating a hostage situation that ended with two people dead after a six-hour stand-off with law enforcement.

On Tuesday, the Austin Police Department responded to a disturbance call around 4:30 p.m. local time. They were alerted about a suspect who allegedly entered the Children’s Medical Group, which is located downtown, and was taking hostages at gunpoint.

The identity of the hostage taker has yet to be released with some reports suggesting the suspect may also have been a doctor. Additionally, authorities have yet to release the identities of the deceased individuals.

When the SWAT team arrived, authorities evacuated residents from the surrounding area and told others to stay away. Witnesses said law enforcement used the megaphone to attempt to communicate with the people inside, while urging the hostage taker to answer the phone.

Around 11:00 p.m. local time, a witness reported hearing loud blasts coming from inside the office as police were seen entering the building.

MEDIA – The SWAT situation has ended. Two subjects have been located and were pronounced deceased. The APD homicide unit is on scene and investigating. More information will be provided tomorrow by the PIO office. -PIO6

— Austin Police Department (@Austin_Police) January 27, 2021

With many questions left unanswered, authorities will continue to work diligently to provide the public with latest information.

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