Austin, TX
Operation Texas Kill Switch: Effort to get illegal devices off streets
AUSTIN, Texas – The U.S. Attorney’s Office in the Western District of Texas, along with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms, announced a new effort on Monday to get illegal “machine gun conversion devices”, also known as “switches” off Texas streets.
“I’m announcing the launch of Operation Texas Kill Switch,” said U.S. Attorney Jaime Esparza.
“They possess the capability of turning semi-automatic firearms into fully automatic machine guns,” said Robert Topper, ATF Special Agent in charge of the Houston Field Division.
The goals of Operation Kill Switch are to encourage state and local police to look out for switches, and to urge the public to report switches to police.
“As the problem continues to escalate, we are determined to do more,” said Esparza.
The feds say they’ve seen a sharp increase in switches across Texas. Nine-hundred and ninety-one were seized in our state between 2017 and 2023, and 490 of those were seized last year alone. They’re often bought online, and can even be 3D-printed.
“These devices have a particular appeal to young people who are exposed to them through social media posts and advertisements,” said Topper.
Switches, made of either metal or plastic, slide into the back of a gun, and allow the shooter to fire dozens of rounds.
“You just pull the trigger once, and you unload that clip,” said Esparza.
“These weapons are notoriously difficult to control,” said Topper. “That brings a much greater risk to innocent bystanders whenever they’re used.”
Switches have been used in multiple deadly shootings, including the murder of a Houston police officer, and a deadly mass shooting at a Sweet 16 party in Alabama last year. Often, the guns themselves are stolen.
Crime Stoppers are offering up to $5,000 for information regarding switches or their production. That reward runs through August 31.
“We are very fearful of what will happen if we don’t start addressing this problem,” said Esparza.
Switches are banned under federal law in almost all cases. If you’re caught with one, you could face up to 10 years in prison.
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2026 Pro Swim Series Kicks Off in Austin – Austin Today
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The 2026 Pro Swim Series, the first leg of the prestigious swimming competition, is set to begin tomorrow in Austin, Texas. This four-day event will showcase some of the fastest swimmers in the world as they compete in a variety of events, including new semifinal structures and updated prize money. Fans can look forward to comprehensive previews, live results, and multiple ways to watch the action unfold.
Why it matters
The Pro Swim Series is a critical stop on the road to the 2026 Olympics, with swimmers looking to qualify for national teams and secure valuable ranking points. The Austin event will also feature new event formats and prize money structures that could impact the competitive landscape and strategies of the top athletes.
The details
The 2026 Pro Swim Series in Austin will run from January 14-17, with preliminary sessions starting at 9:00 a.m. local time and finals kicking off at 6:00 p.m. local time. All sessions will be streamed live on the USA Swimming Network, and the finals on January 15 and 16 will also be aired on Peacock. The event schedule includes a variety of individual events, with the women’s and men’s 1500m freestyle, 800m freestyle, and 400m individual medley being the highlight distance races.
- The competition will begin on Wednesday, January 14 and run through Saturday, January 17.
- Preliminary sessions will start at 9:00 a.m. local time (CT) each day, with finals beginning at 6:00 p.m. local time.
The players
USA Swimming
The national governing body for the sport of swimming in the United States, responsible for organizing the Pro Swim Series.
Peacock
The streaming platform that will air the finals sessions on January 15 and 16.
SwimSwam
A leading swimming news and media outlet that has provided comprehensive previews and analysis of the 2026 Pro Swim Series event in Austin.
Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›
What’s next
Fans can look forward to additional previews and analysis from leading swimming media outlets in the days leading up to the event, as well as live results and coverage throughout the four-day competition.
The takeaway
The 2026 Pro Swim Series in Austin promises to be an exciting showcase of the sport’s top talent, with new event formats and prize money structures adding an extra layer of intrigue. Swimming fans won’t want to miss this must-watch competition as athletes vie for Olympic qualification and national team spots.
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