Austin Shooting Leaves Three Dead, Authorities Investigate Potential Terror Link
AUSTIN, Texas (AP) — A shooting in downtown Austin, Texas, on Monday left three people dead and more than a dozen wounded, prompting a terrorism investigation as authorities work to determine the motive behind the attack. The gunman, identified as Ndiaga Diagne, 53, was fatally shot by police at the scene.
The victims have been identified as Jorge Pederson, 30, Savitha Shan, 21, and Ryder Harrington, 19. Pederson died Monday evening from his injuries, according to Austin Police. Shan and Harrington were both university students; Shan was a dual-degree student at the University of Texas at Austin, while Harrington was a member of the Beta Theta Pi fraternity at Texas Tech University.
“Our thoughts are with Ryder’s family, friends, and all those affected by this devastating situation,” Texas Tech University said in a statement. Harrington had been enrolled at the university as recently as the fall 2025 semester.
The shooting unfolded on Austin’s West 6th Street, a popular entertainment district. Diagne reportedly drove past Buford’s Backyard Beer Garden before circling back and opening fire on pedestrians and patrons with a pistol. He then exited the vehicle and continued shooting with a rifle before being engaged by officers who were already stationed in the area.
Law enforcement officials say Diagne legally purchased the weapons – a rifle and a pistol – several years ago in San Antonio. He was wearing clothing with an Iranian flag design and the words “Property of Allah” at the time of the shooting, according to investigators.
The Department of Homeland Security identified Diagne as a Senegalese national who first entered the U.S. in 2000 on a tourist visa and became a lawful permanent resident in 2006 after marrying an American citizen.
Authorities are examining thousands of hours of video footage and interviewing more than 150 witnesses as part of the investigation. “Our ultimate goal in everything we do is to determine the motive,” said Alex Doran, the acting agent in charge of the FBI’s San Antonio office.
Austin Police Chief Lisa Davis stated the shooting occurred a day after strikes by the U.S. and Israel against Iran, and investigators are exploring a potential connection to global political events.
Three people were initially hospitalized in critical condition, with one victim later taken off life support, according to reports from NBC News.
The Beta Theta Pi fraternity posted a tribute to Harrington on Instagram, describing him as someone with “a rare ability to truly enjoy life” and “make ordinary days unforgettable.” His brother, Reed Harrington, shared a heartfelt message on Facebook, lamenting the loss of his “little brother” at just 19 years old.
The University of Texas at Austin’s president, Jim Davis, called Shan’s death “devastating” and noted that several other students were injured in the attack.
