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UT Student Leads Blood Drive After Austin Bar Shooting
Harper Lewis, a survivor of the Burford's bar shooting, spearheads a call to action to replenish the blood supply.
Mar. 3, 2026 at 8:15am
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In the wake of a tragic mass shooting on Sixth Street in Austin, Texas, a powerful wave of community support has emerged, centered around a surge in blood donations. UT student Harper Lewis, a survivor of the shooting at Burford's bar, led the charge, emphasizing the critical need for blood and embodying the spirit of resilience that defines the city.
Why it matters
The shooting at Burford's bar highlighted the ongoing need for consistent blood donations, not just in emergency situations but to treat patients with chronic illnesses, trauma injuries, and those undergoing surgery. The community's response demonstrates the profound impact individuals can have when they come together to help others in times of tragedy.
The details
Despite the harrowing experience, Lewis immediately focused on giving back, insisting that she and her family donate blood as soon as possible. A pop-up blood drive was organized at Austin City Hall on Monday, drawing dozens of residents eager to help. The demand for donations was so high that the blood drive had to cut off the line at 3 p.m., with some individuals waiting past 5 p.m. We Are Blood, the local blood bank, encouraged those who couldn't donate on Monday to consider donating at any time, particularly emphasizing the need for O-negative blood, the universal donor type.
- The shooting at Burford's bar occurred early Sunday morning.
- The pop-up blood drive was organized at Austin City Hall on Monday.
The players
Harper Lewis
A UT student and survivor of the shooting at Burford's bar who spearheaded the call for blood donations.
William Lewis
Harper Lewis's father, who recalled hearing 'screaming and loud background noise' during a phone call with his daughter during the shooting.
Nick Canedo
A representative of We Are Blood, the local blood bank, who noted that over 150 blood products were used in the emergency response on Sunday, making replenishment a priority.
Selena Xie
A former EMS union leader and current medic who was among the first responders at Burford's and also volunteered at the blood drive.
Kyle Jennings
A father of two and regular blood donor who explained his motivation to donate in the wake of the tragedy.
What they’re saying
“She was insistent upon it, it was the first thing we were going to do today.”
— William Lewis, Harper Lewis's father
“Right now it's about replenishing the supply and bringing the community together.”
— Nick Canedo, We Are Blood representative
“Due to the fact that of the recent event, an extra 20 minutes into downtown, I figured go out and help out.”
— Kyle Jennings, Father of two and regular blood donor
What’s next
We Are Blood encourages those who couldn't donate on Monday to consider donating at any time, particularly emphasizing the need for O-negative blood, the universal donor type.
The takeaway
The response to the Austin shooting serves as a powerful reminder of the strength and compassion within the community. The outpouring of support, led by survivors like Harper Lewis, demonstrates the profound impact individuals can have when they come together to help others in times of tragedy.
