Waymo Car Blocks Emergency Vehicles During Deadly Austin Shooting

Autonomous vehicle reportedly impeded response to mass shooting that killed 2 and injured 14 at downtown bar

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

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A self-driving Waymo vehicle operated through Uber reportedly blocked emergency vehicles from responding to a deadly mass shooting at a bar in downtown Austin, Texas early Sunday morning. The Waymo car was parked perpendicular across the street, preventing an ambulance from reaching the scene where a gunman killed two people and wounded 14 others at Buford's Backyard Beer Garden.

Why it matters

This incident raises further concerns about the safety and reliability of autonomous vehicles, especially in emergency situations where rapid response is critical. It also highlights the need for better coordination and communication between self-driving car companies, emergency services, and local authorities to ensure public safety.

The details

According to witness Matthew Turnage, the Waymo vehicle was "stuck" in the middle of the street and blocked emergency vehicles for a couple of minutes. Video footage shows the Waymo car slowly moving into what appears to be a parking garage, but the ambulance had already reversed down the street to find another route. Police say emergency personnel responded rapidly, arriving on the scene within 57 seconds of the initial 911 call.

  • The shooting occurred just before 2 a.m. on Sunday, March 2, 2026.
  • The Waymo vehicle was blocking emergency vehicles around 2 a.m.

The players

Waymo

An autonomous driving company and subsidiary of Alphabet Inc., Google's parent company.

Ndiaga Diagne

The 53-year-old shooter from Senegal who was killed by police minutes after the attack.

Matthew Turnage

A witness who noticed the Waymo vehicle blocking emergency vehicles as he was leaving a club in the area.

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What they’re saying

“We left a club at 2 a.m. and were walking to get a ride home. We just so happened to get a Waymo car from Uber, and when we found the car, it was trying to pick us up but got stuck in the middle of the street and blocked emergency vehicles for a couple of minutes.”

— Matthew Turnage (KXAN)

“There were indicators that on the subject and in his vehicle that indicate potential nexus to terrorism.”

— Alex Doran, Special Agent, FBI San Antonio Field Office (Press Conference)

What’s next

The FBI is continuing to investigate the shooting as a potential act of terrorism.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the need for better coordination between autonomous vehicle companies and emergency services to ensure public safety, especially in crisis situations where rapid response is critical. It also raises ongoing concerns about the reliability and safety of self-driving cars.