Austin venues Mohawk and Cheer Up Charlie’s will stay open tonight and provide their scheduled entertainment during SXSW in order to avoid more serious safely issues.
SXSW founder Roland Swenson has confirmed that events will go on as planned after meeting with the Austin Police Department following the tragic incident that claimed two lives in the early hours of Thursday morning.
“After talking with the Austin Police Department, we have determined that the most prudent course of action is to move forward with the SXSW shows scheduled at the Mohawk and Cheer Up Charlie’s tonight. If we were to turn away potentially thousands of people who will arrive to see the shows, it would create a serious safety issue,” said SXSW Founder Roland Swenson.
“To avoid confusion we plan to carry on in order to serve our tens of thousands of participants during this tragic time,” added Swenson.
“My staff and myself are broken hearted for not only the victims and families of this senseless tragedy but also for our beloved Red River and this entire community,” says Mohawk Owner James Moody.
“We have spent today working with SXSW and the City to create a relief fund for the victims. This is our number one priority – their care and support. We are a community here that exists far beyond the 10 days of SXSW. Our intent is to come together to help the families of each and every one of the victims.”
In addition, resources are now in place to raise funds for the victims and provide information for family and friends of people at SXSW.
For those interested in helping the victims and their families, resources are here:
• SXSW Cares (#SXSWCares): The SXSW Cares Fund will help people affected by the tragic events of March 13, 2014 and future possible events. The funds will be disbursed to those most affected through a community-based process to be created by representatives of SXSW, the Austin Convention Center and the City of Austin. Please donate at sxswcares.com
• St David’s Prayer Service for victims: 5:30pm today, 301 E 8th Street in the Labyrinth
• The Blood Center of Central Texas (Type O & Type O Negative): 512-206-1266
• APD Victim Services can be reached at 512-974-5037
• Witnesses should call APD at 512-974-5186 or email [email protected]
Those searching for loved ones can call: The American Red Cross at 800-928-4271.
Austin Police has announced that a fund has been set up for victims.
A fund has been established to make donations to those affected by the fatal crash on Red River this morning: http://sxswcares.com #SXSW
A fund has been established to make donations to those affected by the fatal crash on Red River this morning: http://t.co/vPqB65Y97d #SXSW
— Austin Police Dept (@Austin_Police) March 13, 2014
22-year old Austin resident Rashad Owens has now been officially charged with two counts of capital murder and a further 23 counts of aggravated assault. Capital Murder is punishable by the death penalty in Texas.
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