Buford's Backyard Beer Garden shooting investigation
The FBI concluded its investigation into the March 1, 2026, mass shooting at Buford's Backyard Beer Garden, determining that gunman Ndiaga Diagne acted as a "lone actor" with no evidence of foreign terrorist group support, though investigators suggested a trigger from the ongoing war against Iran. As of July 3, 2026, Buford's Backyard Beer Garden announced it will reopen on March 6, 2026, and will donate 100% of sales from March 6-8 to the victims and their families, also planning to install protective glass. The shooting resulted in three fatalities, identified as Ryder Harrington, Savitha Shan, and Jorge Pederson, and 15 injuries. Diagne, a naturalized U.S. citizen, was terminated from Tesla in January 2026 and had a history of mental illness and pro-Iranian regime sentiment.
Timeline
Want updates on this thread?
Track this storyTimeline of developments
July 2026 — 1 developments
Buford's Backyard Beer Garden to Reopen, Donate Proceeds to Victims
Buford's Backyard Beer Garden announced it will reopen on March 6, 2026, and will donate 100% of its sales from March 6-8 to the victims and their families. The bar also plans to install protective glass following the March 1, 2026, mass shooting.
May 2026 — 1 developments
FBI concludes Austin bar shooting investigation, finds no foreign terrorist ties
The FBI has concluded its investigation into the March 1, 2026, shooting at Buford's Backyard Beer Garden, determining that the gunman, Ndiaga Diagne, acted as a "lone actor." There is no evidence that Diagne was supported or directed by a foreign terrorist group, though investigators suggested he may have been triggered by the ongoing war against Iran. The shooting resulted in three fatalities and 15 injuries.
April 2026 — 2 developments
FBI collects 2,000+ digital images in Buford's Backyard Beer Garden shooting investigation
The FBI has collected over 2,000 digital images and videos as part of the ongoing investigation into the Buford's Backyard Beer Garden shooting. An endowment fund is being established at the University of Texas at Austin in memory of victim Savitha Shan. Additionally, it was revealed that the shooter, Ndiaga Diagne, was terminated from his employment at Tesla in January 2026.
FBI recovers over 2,000 digital images and videos in Buford's Backyard Beer Garden shooting investigation
The FBI has completed evidence recovery, including the collection of over 2,000 digital images and videos, as the investigation into the March 1, 2026, shooting at Buford's Backyard Beer Garden continues. Authorities are examining the incident as a potential act of terrorism with possible links to the Iran war.
March 2026 — 7 developments
Buford's Backyard Beer Garden Reopens After Mass Shooting
Buford's Backyard Beer Garden, the site of a mass shooting on March 1, 2026, has reopened. The shooting resulted in three deaths, including the gunman Ndiaga Diagne, and 14 injuries. The victims were identified as Ryder Harrington, 19; Savitha Shan, 21; and Jorge Pederson, 30. The bar is implementing increased safety measures and will donate proceeds to the victims' families.
Governor Greg Abbott states Texans will not be intimidated after shooting, vows defense
The shooting occurred a day after the U.S. and Israel launched airstrikes on Iran, leading authorities to investigate a potential nexus to terrorism. Governor Greg Abbott of Texas stated that Texans would not be intimidated or terrorized and would defend the state.
Ndiaga Diagne identified as naturalized US citizen from Senegal, previously arrested for illegal vending
Officials confirmed that Ndiaga Diagne, the suspect, was a naturalized U.S. citizen who had immigrated from Senegal in 2000, obtained a green card in 2006, and became a citizen in 2013. He had previously been arrested for illegal vending in The Bronx.
Ndiaga Diagne expressed pro-Iranian sentiment and hatred for Israeli and American leadership
Sources indicated that Ndiaga Diagne had a history of mental illness and had previously expressed "pro-Iranian regime sentiment and hatred for Israeli and American leadership" on social media dating back to 2017. He had also posted a picture of himself with what appeared to be an assault rifle.
Investigators find Iranian flag, leader pictures at Ndiaga Diagne's home; FBI probes terror links
Investigators found an Iranian flag and pictures of Iranian leaders at Ndiaga Diagne's home, and a Quran in his vehicle. The FBI's Joint Terrorism Task Force is involved in the investigation, exploring potential links to organized groups, though Diagne is believed to have acted as a lone actor.
Austin Police Officers Kill Suspect Ndiaga Diagne in Rapid Response to Active Shooter
Austin Police Chief Lisa Davis stated that officers responded within a minute of the first 911 call, encountering an active shooter. Three officers returned fire, killing the suspect, Ndiaga Diagne. The rapid response is credited with saving lives.
Gunman Ndiaga Diagne kills two, wounds 14 in Austin shooting before being fatally shot by police
A gunman opened fire outside Buford's Backyard Beer Garden on Austin's Sixth Street around 1:58 a.m., killing two people and wounding 14. The suspect, Ndiaga Diagne, used a pistol and a rifle before being fatally shot by responding officers. The FBI is investigating the incident as a potential act of terrorism, noting the suspect's attire and items found in his vehicle, including an Iranian flag and "Property of Allah" shirts.