SAN ANTONIO — South Texas Blood & Tissue worked late last night and early this morning to prepare and send blood units to Austin in the wake of the mass shooting on 6th street early Sunday.

The Blood Emergency Readiness Corp (BERC) has been activated and an additional 140 units have been sent from various blood centers, including O negative and O positive.

The blood bank says community support is critical and community members are encouraged to donate at any local donor center.

3 dead, 14 injured in Austin mass shooting on 6th Street, suspect fatally shot by officers

Mayor Gina Ortiz Jones shared her condolences, adding that commonsense gun reform may prevent such tragedies in the future.

I’m deeply saddened to hear of the mass shooting in Austin that killed and injured so many,” Mayor Jones said in a statement. “Let’s keep our neighbors to the north in our prayers, that those injured recover quickly and the families of the victims who were needlessly murdered are comforted. We must prevent such tragedies from happening through commonsense gun solutions. Thank you to the first responders who were at the scene and prevented further loss of life.

U.S. Congressman Joaquin Castro condemned the country’s gun violence in an X post saying in part “Congress must continue to work to end the scourge of gun violence in our country.”

San Antonio’s FBI office is also assisting the Austin Police Department in their investigation, officials shared at a press briefing this morning.

Special Agent Alex Doran said the joint terrorism task force is helping investigate potential early indications of terrorism.

“We have members from our Evidence Response team as well as our many other specialty teams, including our digital forensics folks that are on scene, helping to address the scene and gather additional evidence,” Doran said. “Obviously, it’s still way too early in the process to determine an exact motivation, but there were indicators that on the subject and in his vehicle that indicate potential nexus to terrorism. Again, it’s still too early to make a determination on that.”

This is a developing story.

It’s that time of year again – prom season. For many students, it’s a night to remember, but between dresses and other expenses, the costs can add up quickly. Every year, St. Andrew’s Methodist Church steps up to help ease the financial burden for families, offering free prom dresses and accessories to young women.

“I’m feeling very excited, very happy, you know it’s all like coming to me at once,” said Gabrielle Bennett, a high school junior.

Prom season is a moment many young girls look forward to, and finding the perfect dress.

Boutique experience for every shopper

“It was a lot of searching through a lot of dresses.. and seeing what fits, what doesn’t, what looks nice, and then you finally find one, and it fits perfect,” said Ally Atkins, a high school senior.

For 17 years, St. Andrew’s Methodist Church has opened its prom closet to girls across North Texas, helping those who may not be able to afford the high cost of prom. This year, organizers hope to serve 1,400 shoppers. There are more than 5,000 dresses to choose from in different colors, styles, and sizes.

“Every young lady should feel special at prom. Every young lady deserves to be beautiful, and in some cases, some of these young ladies, this would not be possible,” said Kathy Moore, a Prom Closet chairman.

Community donations make it possible

The experience is designed to feel like a real boutique – from trying on dresses to grabbing the perfect shoes, bag, and accessories. Everything is donated.

“I had one yesterday that walked into our dress area, and she stopped and just said, ‘wow,’ and so right there, that moment, that’s why we do it,” Moore said.

Organizers said the event is made possible by community donations and dozens of volunteers, but they’re always looking for more help. Next year, they hope to serve even more girls, continuing their mission to make more prom dreams come true.

“I want to thank this whole organization, I’m very grateful,” Bennett said.

How to participate

If you know someone who may need a prom dress this season, the Prom Closet is open until March 7. It is by appointment only. For more information, visit: https://standrewmethodist.org/prom-closet/

The U.S. and Israel announced a major military operation against Iran early Saturday, after President Trump threatened the Iranian regime for weeks to make a new deal to rein in its nuclear program, and before that, threatened it over its violent crackdown on protesters in January.