A quiet early Sunday morning in downtown Austin turned into chaos when a gunman opened fire outside a popular Sixth Street bar, killing two people and injuring 14 others before being shot and killed by police.
Authorities have identified the suspect as Ndiaga Diagne, 53, a Senegalese national and naturalized U.S. citizen who lived in Pflugerville, Texas.
What Happened on West Sixth Street
The violence unfolded outside Buford’s, a well-known beer garden located just miles from the University of Texas campus and less than a mile from the Texas Capitol.
According to Austin Police Chief Lisa Davis, the suspect allegedly circled the bar multiple times in an SUV before launching the attack.
At one point, he reportedly activated his vehicle’s hazard lights, rolled down the window, and began firing a pistol from inside the SUV, targeting patrons gathered on the patio and sidewalk.
He then parked the vehicle, exited with a rifle, and continued shooting at people walking along West Sixth Street.
Officers encountered him shortly after and opened fire, killing him at the scene.
Victims and Emergency Response
Fourteen people were injured in the attack. Three victims were transported to a local hospital in critical condition. Emergency medical teams were already nearby and arrived within minutes.
Bystander videos show people ducking for cover under string lights, drinks scattered on the ground, and sirens wailing as chaos unfolded.
Nathan Comeaux, a University of Texas senior who had just stepped away from the bar to grab pizza, described hearing bursts of gunfire before police engaged the shooter.
“If he had made it back inside the bar, it would’ve been much worse,” he said, noting that hundreds of people were inside at the time.
Suspect’s Background Raises Questions
Sources familiar with the investigation say Diagne had a history of mental illness.
At the time of the attack, he was reportedly wearing a sweatshirt reading “Property of Allah” and an Iranian-flag themed shirt underneath. Authorities also indicated that certain materials found on him and in his vehicle suggest a possible connection to extremist ideology.
Federal officials emphasized that it is too early to determine whether the shooting was an act of terrorism. Investigators currently believe he acted alone and had no confirmed ties to any foreign government.
The FBI is assisting in the investigation, and authorities are reviewing evidence to determine motive.
Immigration and Criminal History
According to federal officials:
- Diagne entered the United States in 2000 on a tourist visa.
- He became a lawful permanent resident in 2006 through marriage to a U.S. citizen.
- He was naturalized as a U.S. citizen in 2013.
- He had a 2022 arrest related to a vehicle collision in Texas.
Political Leaders Respond
President Donald Trump was briefed on the shooting Sunday.
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott condemned the violence and said the state has increased patrols at energy facilities, ports, and border areas while enhancing cybersecurity and aerial surveillance to protect critical infrastructure.
He warned that anyone attempting to exploit international conflicts to threaten Texans would face firm consequences.
University of Texas President Jim Davis called it “a difficult day for our city and the University,” offering condolences to victims and families.
Lawmakers from both parties expressed sympathy, though some renewed calls for legislative action surrounding gun violence.
Investigation Ongoing
Authorities continue to examine digital evidence, surveillance footage, and the suspect’s background as they work to determine a clear motive.
Officials stress that the investigation remains in its early stages. For now, Austin mourns two lives lost and prays for the recovery of the injured, as the community grapples with yet another act of sudden, public violence.
