Charles Whitman, an architectural engineering student and former U.S. Marine, initiated a mass shooting from the observation deck of the University of Texas Tower in Austin. The attack began in the early afternoon when Whitman, after murdering his mother and wife earlier that day, brought firearms and ammunition to the tower. He opened fire on students, faculty, and passersby below, killing 15 individuals and injuring more than 30 others over a chaotic span of 96 minutes. During the assault, Whitman was able to methodically target victims with a sniper rifle while police worked to secure the area and provide assistance to the wounded.

The police response saw several officers, including Officer Ramiro Martinez and others, climb to the tower in an effort to neutralize the shooter. They ultimately confronted and shot Whitman, who was killed. The incident was notable for its coverage, as it was one of the first mass shootings to receive extensive media attention in the United States, sparking a nationwide conversation about gun violence, the need for mental health care, and campus safety measures. Whitman's motivations have been analyzed extensively, leading to speculation about underlying mental health issues, including a possible brain tumor that may have impacted his behavior.

Following the shooting, numerous changes in policies regarding gun control and emergency response protocols in educational institutions were considered. The event is frequently cited in discussions surrounding the prevalence of mass shootings in the United States and has had a lasting influence on public perception and legislation regarding firearms and mental health awareness.