Austin Police Chief Addresses Security Concerns Ahead Of ACL Fest After Las Vegas Massacre

AUSTIN, TX — The Austin Police Department interim police chief sought to assuage resident's concerns about attending this weekend's ACL Music Festival in the wake of the Las Vegas massacre that claimed 59 lives and injured hundreds more.

Interim Police Chief Brian Manley referenced a coordinated plan that is in effect in Austin when dealing with large-scale events, but noted it would be reevaluated in light of the events in Las Vegas to determine strategic modifications.

Formally known as the Austin City Limits Music Festival, the annual Austin event at Zilker Park is staged annually on two consecutive three-day weekends, featuring eight stages showcasing a wide array of musical genres. Some 450,000 people attend the festival each year — the sheer number now a source of concern for many in light of the Las Vegas shooting at a smaller-sized but densely populated similar event outside the Mandalay Bay Hotel that acted as the sniper's perch during the rampage from the structure's 32nd floor.

ACL Fest is scheduled this year from Oct. 6-8 and again Oct. 13-15. Among the acts scheduled to perform are Jay-Z, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Ice Cube, The Killers, Gorillaz, and many more.

Related story: Las Vegas Shooting: At Least 59 Dead, More Than 500 Injured In Worst Mass Shooting In U.S. History

"I know there's a lot of concern that's been expressed here locally based on this being the week leading up to the ACL Festival," Manley said during an afternoon press conference. "First of all, I want to encourage the community to come out to ACL as you planned. This is a yearly event that we have successfully managed here in Austin. It has been conducted with safety and it is important that we continue doing those things that we enjoy."

Despite that encouragement, Manley noted police will be extra vigilant in light of the tragedy in Las Vegas and make adjustments as needed to the police plan normally exercised by APD during large-scale local events. That focus is heightened given the unusual nature of the attack in Las Vegas characterized by what appears to be a highly coordinated, well-thought-out attack by an individual to inflict the greatest amount of damage.

"As a police department, it is important we pay attention to all threats," Manley said. "What we saw happen last night and this morning is something new that we haven't seen before. Someone that appears to have a very well-planned attack on a large gathering like that contained in a relatively small location."

Arsenal of protective tools for Austin large-scale events

Prior to his 4 p.m. press conference, Manley said he had attended a meeting with APD's law enforcement partners — the special events unit, downtown area command, tactical units — to go over the plan for security during ACL Fest. Months in the making, the plan is similar to that used at other large-scale events in the past, Manley said.

"However, we can't come in on the day after an event like we saw happen in Las Vegas and not reconsider our plans and make sure we are confident we have addressed every threat possible," Manley said.

To that end, the chief said APD will be aided by federal and state partners in securing the festival. Moreover, the Texas Department of Public Safety has volunteered resources to also assist in overall security during ACL, which Manley categorized has historically been more of a traffic issue than one related to violence.

Manley said security assets would be strategically placed across the board, with some law enforcement officers in plain sight of festival attendees and some obscured from view but ready to deploy as needed. Given the nature of security, Manley noted he was not able to provide much in the way of details related to the plan.

During a subsequent Q&A session with reporters, Manley noted APD is fortunate to have inter-agency cooperation with other law enforcement agencies in Cedar Park, Pflugerville, Round Rock and other area communities when additional resources are needed. Another reporter asked if the APD is capable of combating the type of firepower seen in Las Vegas, to which Manley noted of the presence of a counter-assault strike team complementing the APD's SWAT team.

APD also will be coordinating with Regional Intelligence Center officials to identify any threats being made on social media ahead of the ACL Fest, a security plan aspect that's been utilized in the past in the days leading up to a large gathering.

"At this time, there are absolutely no threats made against ACL, nor have we heard any indication that anyone is targeting any large-scale events across the country right now," Manley said. "Again, I want to emphasize it is important that people come out and enjoy this event, and we will make this event as safe as possible partnering with all our other agencies."

Festival-goers should take own precautionary measures

Yet festival attendees also can take measures to protect themselves from potential harm, Manley noted. He urged those attending the festival to be aware of their surroundings, particularly being aware of where exits are — advice applicable to attending any large event.

"If you had to get out quickly, know what your avenue of exit is," Manley said. "Know where your nearest escape is and pay attention to that."

In the event of an evacuation, people attending the event should pay attention to officers' instructions at the scene, Manley noted. He also urged people not to overindulge in drinking alcohol (another bit of advice generally applicable) to the point it inhibits from making good decisions.

The chief also encouraged residents to download the police app on their smartphones, designed to enable users to report suspicious activity to police quickly and efficiently. Dubbed Austin PD, the mobile app can be downloaded for free on iPhone and Android.

Manley assured there will be plenty of security inside and outside the event, and expects it to go off without a hitch in the coming weekends: "This is an annual event that we have enjoyed in Austin for quite some time now," Manley said. "We expect it will be no different this year. But I do think it's important in light of what just happened in Las Vegas last night leading into today that we get the message out that we want folks to come out, we want you to enjoy yourselves. We want to reassure we we are doing everything we can to make this event as safe as possible based on what we know [are] potential threats we've seen to large-scale events around this country and others and then to take that extra step of personal responsibility."

To listen to Manley's full press conference, click below.

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