Buford's Backyard Beer Garden shooting investigation
On March 1, 2026, a gunman identified as Ndiaga Diagne opened fire outside Buford's Backyard Beer Garden on Austin's Sixth Street, killing two people and injuring 14 before being fatally shot by responding officers. As of April 8, 2026, the FBI has collected over 2,000 digital images and videos as part of an ongoing investigation into the shooting, which is being examined as a potential act of terrorism with possible links to the Iran war. Diagne, a naturalized U.S. citizen and former Tesla employee, had a history of mental illness and expressed "pro-Iranian regime sentiment" on social media, with an Iranian flag and pictures of Iranian leaders found at his home. The victims were identified as Ryder Harrington, 19; Savitha Shan, 21; and Jorge Pederson, 30, with an endowment fund being established in Shan's memory.
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April 2026 — 2 developments
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.
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.
The FBI has completed evidence recovery, including the collection of over 2,000 digital images and v…
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, the site of a mass shooting on March 1, 2026, has reopened.
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.
The shooting occurred a day after the U.
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.
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 "p…
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.
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.
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.
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.