Austin, Texas: A deadly mass shooting rocked Austin, Texas, early Sunday morning as crowds gathered along the city’s iconic Sixth Street entertainment district. The gunfire left three people dead — including two college students — and injured 13 others, sending shockwaves through the University of Texas community and beyond.
Authorities are investigating the motive behind the attack, including whether international events may have influenced the suspect.
What Happened on Sixth Street?
The violence erupted shortly before 2 a.m. along West Sixth Street, a bustling corridor known for bars, restaurants and live music venues near the University of Texas at Austin.
According to Austin Police Chief Lisa Davis:
- Officers received a call about a man shooting from a large SUV outside Buford’s Backyard Beer Garden.
- The suspect allegedly activated his vehicle’s flashers, rolled down the window and began firing a pistol at patrons seated on the patio and in front of the bar.
- He then drove west on Sixth Street, parked, exited the SUV with a rifle and continued shooting at pedestrians.
- Officers confronted and fatally shot the suspect in less than a minute after arriving at the scene.
Video footage from the scene shows officers rushing toward the suspect as people scrambled for safety.
The deadly incident is among dozens of mass shootings recorded in the United States this year, according to the Gun Violence Archive.
Victims Identified
The Austin Police Department confirmed Monday that three victims have died:
- Ryder Harrington, 19, a Texas Tech student
- Savitha Shan, 21, a student at the University of Texas
- Jorge Pederson, 30, who succumbed to injuries Monday
Another 13 people were injured in the attack. Earlier updates indicated that multiple victims were in critical condition, with one initially expected to be taken off life support.
University of Texas President Jim Davis confirmed that Shan was a UT student and expressed condolences, stating the campus community was devastated by the loss. Increased patrols have been implemented across campus and surrounding neighborhoods.
Who Is the Suspect?
Police identified the suspect as Ndiaga Diagne, 53.
According to the Department of Homeland Security:
- Diagne entered the U.S. in 2000 on a B-2 tourist visa.
- He became a lawful permanent resident in 2006 after marrying a U.S. citizen.
- He naturalized as a U.S. citizen in 2013.
- He was originally from Senegal.
- He had previously been arrested in 2022 for a misdemeanor vehicle collision offense.
Authorities say Diagne was not previously known to the Austin Police Department or the FBI.
Investigators are also reviewing his past mental health history.
Possible Motive Under Investigation
Law enforcement officials are examining whether Diagne may have been inspired by recent U.S. and Israeli military strikes on Iran.
An official told CNN that the suspect was wearing:
- A shirt displaying an Iranian flag design
- A hoodie printed with “Property of Allah”
Federal investigators, including the Federal Bureau of Investigation San Antonio division, are assisting in the probe.
Officials have cautioned that no definitive motive has been established. Investigators are reviewing digital devices, possible writings, and any online activity that might indicate ideological influences.
Authorities executed a search at a residence connected to the suspect in Pflugerville, Texas, collecting boxes of materials and examining a vehicle.
Witness Accounts
Nathan Comeaux, a University of Texas senior, had just left Buford’s Backyard Beer Garden minutes before the shooting began.
He reported hearing 15 to 20 gunshots shortly before 2 a.m. After the initial shots stopped, he saw the suspect engage with officers before police fatally shot him.
Comeaux reflected on the psychological impact of the event, expressing concern about public safety but also emphasizing the importance of continuing to live life despite fear.
Community Reaction
Buford’s Backyard Beer Garden released a statement expressing condolences to the victims and their families, calling the loss “devastating.”
University officials confirmed that additional students were among those injured, some with serious wounds.
The shooting has reignited concerns about mass violence in nightlife districts and public gathering spaces.
Ongoing Investigation
Authorities continue to:
- Analyze surveillance footage from the busy entertainment corridor.
- Review thousands of hours of video evidence.
- Examine digital and physical evidence collected from the suspect’s home.
- Determine whether terrorism-related charges or designations are applicable.
Officials have emphasized that the investigation remains active and complex.
Conclusion
The Sixth Street mass shooting has left Austin mourning three lives lost, including two promising college students, and shaken a city known for its vibrant nightlife and university culture.
While the suspect was killed by responding officers, questions remain about motive and whether ideological or mental health factors played a role.
Law enforcement agencies at the local and federal levels continue to work together to uncover what led to the deadly attack in the heart of Texas’ capital.
