OAN Staff Brooke Mallory
7:22 PM – Monday, March 2, 2026
Federal and local authorities are still investigating a probable “nexus to terrorism” after a gunman opened fire at a crowded Sixth Street bar early on Sunday morning.
The attack, which left three victims dead and 13 others wounded, occurred just one day after the United States and Israel launched military strikes against Iran.
The Shooting
The violence erupted at around 1:40 a.m. on Sunday, outside Buford’s Backyard Beer Garden, a popular destination for college students in Austin’s West Sixth Street entertainment district.
According to Austin Police Chief Lisa Davis, the suspect — identified as 53-year-old Ndiaga Diagne — circled the block several times in a large SUV before opening fire from his vehicle with a pistol. He then parked the SUV, exited with a rifle, and continued firing at patrons on the street.
Austin police officers, who maintain a heavy presence in the area on weekends, confronted and fatally shot Diagne within one minute of the initial gunfire.
Suspect and Potential Motive
While a formal motive has not been finalized, investigators found many clear “indicators” suggesting a link to international tensions, specifically the ongoing Iran-U.S.-Israel conflict.
At the time of the shooting, Diagne was reportedly wearing a sweatshirt emblazoned with “Property of Allah” and an undershirt featuring the Iranian flag.
Findings from the investigation
A search of Diagne’s residence in Pflugerville, Texas, and his vehicle, uncovered an Iranian flag, a Quran and photographs of Iranian regime leaders.
Intelligence Group also reported that Diagne had expressed “pro-Iranian regime sentiment” and hatred for American and Israeli leadership in social media posts dating back to 2017.
Suspect’s Background
Diagne was a naturalized U.S. citizen, originally from the West African country Senegal, who moved to Texas after living in New York. Senegal is a majority Muslim country, with approximately 95%–97% of the population practicing Sunni Islam, largely following Sufi brotherhoods.
“It’s still too early to make a final determination, but there were indicators on the subject and in his vehicle that indicate a potential nexus to terrorism,” said Alex Doran, acting Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s San Antonio office.
Victims Identified
Two of the victims killed in the attack were both university students with promising futures, police say. Authorities and families identified them on Monday. Sadly, a third victim was later confirmed dead as well.
As of Monday afternoon, 13 others remain injured, with at least three more in critical condition.
Savitha Shan, 21, was a dual-degree student at the University of Texas at Austin. She has been described by friends as a vibrant presence and a leader in campus organizations.
Ryder Harrington, 19, was a student at Texas Tech University and a member of the Beta Theta Pi fraternity. Harrington was visiting Austin and enjoying the city’s nightlife at the time of the shooting.
Jorge Pederson, 30, was tragically taken off life support on Monday after suffering critical injuries. One coworker described him as a beloved member of his community.
Politicians Respond
According to reports, the shooting has since triggered a political divide in Texas. Governor Greg Abbott (R-Texas) warned that the state would respond with “decisive and overwhelming force” against anyone using the Middle East conflict to threaten Texans.
Additionally, Republican lawmakers like Rep. Chip Roy (R-Texas) have pointed to Diagne’s background in order to highlight the possible dangers of “importing third-world violent Islamists who want to destroy our country,” in his own words.
Security has since been bolstered at energy facilities, ports, and places of worship across the state as a precaution against further retaliatory violence linked to the ongoing conflict with Iran.
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