Austin Bar Shooting Investigation
Ndiaga Diagne, a naturalized U.S. citizen, killed two people and wounded 14 others in a mass shooting outside Buford's Backyard Beer Garden on Austin's Sixth Street around 1:58 a.m. on March 1, 2026, before being fatally shot by responding officers. As of March 7, 2026, the bar has reopened, and the FBI's Joint Terrorism Task Force is investigating the incident as a potential act of terrorism, citing Diagne's "pro-Iranian regime sentiment and hatred for Israeli and American leadership" expressed on social media, an Iranian flag found at his home, and a Quran in his vehicle. The victims were identified as Ryder Harrington, 19; Savitha Shan, 21; and Jorge Pederson, 30. Governor Greg Abbott stated that Texans would not be intimidated or terrorized.
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2026
7 updatesBuford'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.
via Chron.com·nbcdfw.com
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.
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.
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 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 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.
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.
Story began · 14 days ago