San Antonio police and sheriff step up patrols after Austin attack, citing heightened local security concerns

Increased visibility planned across San Antonio and Bexar County

Law enforcement agencies in San Antonio and across Bexar County are increasing patrols in the wake of a deadly attack in Austin on March 1, 2026, as investigators there examine whether the incident involved terrorism-related factors. Local officials say residents can expect a more visible police presence in neighborhoods and at high-traffic destinations as agencies reassess risk tied to large public gatherings and potential threat activity online.

The stepped-up posture comes as San Antonio approaches major spring events that draw large crowds, including St. Patrick’s Day celebrations and Fiesta. Authorities have framed the additional patrols as a preventative measure, aimed at deterring criminal activity, improving response times, and strengthening public reassurance in crowded environments.

What agencies say will change in the coming weeks

The San Antonio Police Department (SAPD) and the Bexar County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO) say patrol strategies are being adjusted to expand coverage in both incorporated and unincorporated parts of the county. The focus includes locations that historically attract large numbers of visitors, along with sites that can be vulnerable to threats or intimidation because of their visibility and community role.

• More officers in and around neighborhoods, particularly during peak activity periods
• Added presence at places of worship and other community gathering points
• Increased patrols near schools and major attractions that routinely see heavy foot traffic
• Expanded monitoring for potential threats communicated through digital platforms

BCSO Sheriff Javier Salazar has said deputies will increase “patrol bys” and other visibility measures across the county, including at houses of worship, with the stated goal of making residents feel secure regardless of where they live or how they worship.

“Our goal is simple: to provide a visible layer of protection and to ensure that every resident, regardless of where they live or how they worship, feels secure,” Salazar said.

Threat reporting trends and enforcement outcomes

SAPD has reported a multi-year rise in “terroristic threat” reports. The department recorded 86 reports in 2023 and 98 in 2024. In 2025, SAPD recorded 129 reports, a category that can include threats against public servants as well as threats of general violence. Police said 17 people were arrested in 2025 in connection with those threats.

Separately, city officials have previously described instances in which SAPD increased protective patrols around community institutions after receiving threat information and coordinating with federal partners, underscoring a model of rapid visibility-based response when credible concerns arise.

Coordination and what residents can do

Local agencies say they are working with state and federal partners to share information and monitor evolving risks. Officials are encouraging residents to report suspicious activity through appropriate channels and to use non-emergency options for quality-of-life or patrol-request concerns.

Authorities have also reminded the public that community reporting remains a key element of prevention—particularly for threats that emerge online, where early tips can help investigators assess credibility, identify suspects, and intervene before planned violence materializes.