In the early morning of March 1, a shooter opened fire near Buford’s bar in Austin, Texas.
Details are still emerging about the shooter and his motives. Local police have confirmed the deaths of three people, as well as the shooter.
In the days following the shooting, numerous people in the area during the event have shared their perspectives on what happened. For example, some have noted that rescue efforts were hindered by a Waymo vehicle that became frozen on the road.
One story, shared by TikTok user Clement (@clementine_ohenhen), has the internet discussing a different topic: the behavior of the surrounding bars. In a video with over 36,000 views, Clement recalls how a nearby bar put him and his group of friends in danger during the event.
What Happened To This Austin Resident?
According to Clement, he and a group of friends gathered together on Saturday night to celebrate one of their birthdays.
Their route for the evening began at The Rustic Tap on West 6th Street before eventually making its way over to Buford’s.
“We were … taking down some shots, just talking with some other people, going on the dance floor—and it’s just, you wouldn’t think like what happened would happen at all,” he explains. “It’s just a bunch of people just having a good time, really just trying to enjoy their night and everything.”
After midnight, he says the group decided to move to another bar. They landed on Dirty Bill’s, which is close to Buford’s, before eventually ending up at Key Bar. Key Bar is on the opposite corner of Buford’s.
Then, around 1:45, Clement says he heard shots ring out from Buford’s.
What Happened Next?
According to Clement, chaos immediately ensued.
“I just ended up just seeing everyone just drop to the ground or sprint to the bathroom,” he details.
In the chaos of the moment, he says his group got split up. Clement says everyone was “shock[ed],” noting that a shooting in this area was uncommon and surprising.
Eventually, a group of people made their way to the bathrooms and sheltered inside. Soon, Clement says they were met by one of the bartenders.
“He’s just telling us to ‘Get out of my bar’ or whatever,” Clement recalls. “I’m like, ‘Dog, there’s an active shooter right outside.’”
While Clement says the bartender eventually “put two and two together,” he says the group was still asked to leave the bar.
“We’re just like, ‘Dude, what? What? You want us to go run outside when there’s an active shooter outside?’” Clement recalls.
Finally, a bouncer came and escorted the group out of the establishment. Clement and his group of friends hid around a nearby parking garage until their safety could be assured.
“I just feel so sorry for all the victims, for the families of those that lost their lives, to everyone who’s critically hurt,” he concludes. “I pray you guys are OK, and I pray for your wellbeing and everything. No one, no one expected this.”
What Should This Bar Have Done?
In moments like these, tensions are high and available information is limited. As a result, businesses will often make quick decisions based on limited knowledge or incorrect details.
This is why many agencies have put out frameworks for businesses to follow in the event of an active shooter.
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s booklet on active shooters advises that, if the active shooter is in your area, you should evacuate if and as soon as possible. This may be why the bar decided to act in the manner that Clement alleges they did. Many trainings on active shooters stress evacuation. And in a panic, some staff members may have defaulted to this advice.
However, in that same section of the booklet, DHS states that one should “Prevent individuals from entering an area where the active shooter may be.” This could include stopping them from exiting the building toward the shooter. Instead, Clement alleges that the bar forced them closer to the area where the shooting was taking place.
Running active shooter drills, including drills in which a shooter is in a nearby location is advised for all businesses so they can be better prepared in the event that something like this occurs.
Commenters Are Angry
In the comments section, many users expressed their sympathy for Clement. Others simply raged against the bar for allegedly pushing guests out of their business.
“I’ve seen so many videos and comments about the bartenders [not] letting people hide behind the bar and bathrooms whatever. They act like they’re cops,” wrote a user. “I get it they have an important job and there’s a lot of product and money… when the place is being shot up, human life is more important. I’m so so sorry you had to witness this, be gentle with yourself. We shouldn’t be seeing things like this.”
“Omg I can’t imagine the trauma of being there and then to have bar staff treat you like that while you are fearing for your life,” offered another.
“It’s so good that you’re physically safe but I’m so sorry for what you experienced and the terror it must’ve been; absolutely horrifying. I can’t believe the employees were that reckless when there was an active shooter. What disgusting behavior on their part,” shared a third. “I would always go to west and Rainey to avoid something like this happening on dirty but it’s insane it happened at Buford’s. This can’t keep happening.”
@clementine_ohenhen Pray for Austin #austin
BroBible reached out to Key Bar via email and Instagram direct message, and Clement via email.