According to police, an attorney entered an Austin, Texas pub on Saturday and pointed a gun at his ex-girlfriend who was working as a bartender. He fired one shot that barely missed her.
A pair of customers responded by tackling the gunman and ending his lethal threat.
Gavin Edward Rush (41), entered Anderson Mill Pub at 11:30 a.m. on Saturday to confront his ex-girlfriend, KEYE-TV reported. He cited an arrest affidavit.
According to KTBC-TV, their three-year-long relationship was over about a month and a quarter before he left her. Police also reported that he sent her numerous texts threatening her and her new partner after she refused to get back together.
According to KTBC, Rush also stopped answering Rush’s text messages even though she informed him that she was at work. Police said that Rush then went to the pub.
Rush grabbed a gun from her and pointed it at her. A red dot of a laser sight was centered on Rush’s chest. KEYE stated, citing the police affidavit.
KTBC reported that he fired a shot that narrowly missed Rush’s ex-girlfriend. According to KEYE, one of Rush’s shots struck a mirror in a bar right behind Rush’s ex-girlfriend.
Rush was beaten by two customers who knew Rush’s backstory, KTBC reported. Rush then wrestled the firearm away from the two of them, KTBC stated. Rush also continued to fire the gun during the fight and attempted to commit suicide.
It’s difficult to share your story. It did work in her case that she was able to find some trusted people who could potentially save her life,” Nikhita Veed, vice president of community service at the SAFE Alliance, told KTBC.
Mackenzie Kelly, Austin Councilmember, posted a surveillance video:
Earlier this week there was a shooting at a local bar in my district. This attorney belongs behind bars, pending a lengthy jury of his peers. I’m deeply disturbed watching this video and committed to a safe city. pic.twitter.com/eHbjnlEDxd
— Mackenzie Kelly (@mkelly007) November 28, 2022
Rush faces a felony count of aggravated assault using a deadly weapon involving familial violence. KEYE stated that the bond was set to $40,000 which is 10% less than what is usual. In this case, the bail was $4,000.
KTBC reported that Rush had already been released from jail. Thomas Villareal, who is the head of the Austin Police Association, stated that Rush was “a victim that has been neglected by the courts.”
KEYE stated that the judge granted an emergency protection order to the ex-girlfriend.
KTBC reported that Rush’s law office issued the following statement: “Gavin Rush is no longer employed at the firm. We don’t tolerate hate or violence of any type. We are thinking of the victims who suffered severe trauma that day.
