Austin Police Seek Surveillance Footage In Death Of Protester

AUSTIN, TX — The Austin Police Department on Thursday updated the public on the case involving the death of an Austin protester who was fatally shot during a demonstration against police abuse on Saturday.

Among the matters addressed in the update related to the killing of 28-year-old Garrett Foster were the ongoing pursuit of downtown businesses' surveillance camera footage that may have captured the fatal incident. Police also sought to dispel rumors related to the shooter, saying the still-unidentified person is not a member of law enforcement.

"The Austin Police Department Homicide Unit is continuing to investigate the Garrett Foster case," police said. "This incident is of immense importance to our community and has generated questions that deserve answers. As such, detectives are working diligently to gather as many witness statements, video and photos as possible, in order to understand what happened on July 25, 2020. We continue to ask anyone with relevant information, including original video footage/images, to come forward."

Previous coverage:

• Shooting In Downtown Austin Amid Police Protest Leaves Man Dead
• New Details Released In Fatal Shooting Of Austin Protester

In the aftermath of the fatal shooting, Police Chief Brian Manley said Foster was carrying an AK-47-style rifle as he protested against police brutality in a seeming demonstration of the state's open carry law allowing for such expression. A driver pulled onto Congress Avenue and 4th Street where a throng of protesters had gathered, honking the horn loudly on approach. Video shared on social media shows protesters descending on the car. Police previously said Foster pointed his rifle at the driver, prompting the motorist to fire his handgun. A person in the crowd then retrieved his own concealed handgun, firing at the driver as he fled the scene.

Both shooters have been interviewed by police, but their identities were not disclosed. Both were released pending the outcome of the police investigation after being detained for questioning, Manley previously disclosed.

"We have not released any suspect or witness information during this active investigation," the Austin Police Department statement read. "This is done to minimize external influence that could obstruct witness and suspect testimony and impede future legal proceedings. For this reason, we cannot confirm any names, nor do we condone the publication of unconfirmed names."

Police dispelled rumors the first shooter is in law enforcement: "In addition, there are rumors circulating about the identity of those involved. What we can definitively say is that no one involved in this case has any connection to law enforcement agencies, including APD," law enforcement officials wrote.

In the police statement, police officials confirmed they have contacted area businesses in attempting to secure surveillance camera footage. "Detectives are still in the process of canvassing the area and contacting businesses with visible cameras," police wrote. "Those contacted have all provided footage, which investigators are reviewing, along with video and images provided by those who were there at the time of the shooting."

Those who were in the immediate proximity of the vehicle and witnessed the incident are also asked to contact the Capital Area Crime Stoppers at 512-472-TIPS (8477) or email homicide.apd@austintexas.gov.