Austin Nightlife District Rocked by Deadly Shooting; Suspect Killed by Police After Attack Investigated as Potential Terrorism
AUSTIN, Texas — A night of revelry in Austin's famed Sixth Street entertainment district turned to terror early Sunday when a gunman opened fire on a packed bar, killing two and injuring 14 before police shot him dead. Authorities are investigating the attack as a potential act of terrorism, a probe intensified by the suspect's clothing bearing an Iranian flag design and the words "Property of Allah."
The violence erupted shortly after the U.S. and Israel conducted military strikes against Iran, though federal and local officials cautioned it is too early to definitively link the events. "The motive remains under active investigation," the FBI and Austin Police Department said in a joint statement Monday.
According to police, the suspect, identified as 53-year-old Ndiaga Diagne, initially drove past Buford’s Backyard Beer Garden before circling back. From his SUV, he fired shots at patrons on the sidewalk and inside the venue just after 1 a.m.
"There was a moment of eerie silence," said Police Chief Lisa Davis. "Then the suspect parked, exited with a rifle, and resumed firing." Officers who were already patrolling the heavily monitored weekend district responded within a minute of the first 911 call and engaged the gunman at the intersection.
The victims were identified as Savitha Shan, 21, and Ryder Harrington, 19, a Texas Tech University student and new member of the Beta Theta Pi fraternity. The bar, located in the heart of a district adjacent to the University of Texas at Austin's flagship campus, was filled with students, many of whom dove for cover or froze in confusion.
"It was shoulder to shoulder, hundreds just enjoying their nights," recounted Nathan Comeaux, a 22-year-old UT senior who was at the bar with friends. Comeaux captured cellphone video of the gunman advancing toward officers. "If he’d gone back to the bar where students were hiding, there could have been 10 times as much damage. I’m grateful for the heroic officers."
Chief Davis stated Diagne legally purchased the pistol and rifle used in the attack several years ago in San Antonio. Homeland Security records show Diagne, originally from Senegal, entered the U.S. in 2000 on a tourist visa and later gained lawful permanent residency through marriage.
The aftermath saw several square blocks cordoned off as federal agents from the ATF and FBI joined the investigation. University President Jim Davis acknowledged the tragedy struck "members of our Longhorn family," while Mayor Kirk Watson praised first responders: "They definitely saved lives."
Voices from the Community
Marcus Chen, 34, Security Consultant: "This highlights the persistent threat of lone-actor violence. The rapid police response is commendable, but the ease of access to firearms, even legally, for someone who may have been radicalized is a systemic failure we must address."
Dr. Anya Sharma, 41, Psychology Professor at UT Austin: "Our campus community is grieving. We must provide robust mental health support now and examine how global tensions can manifest in local, devastating acts. The fear this implants in young people is profound."
Rebecca "Beck" O'Malley, 29, Bartender on Sixth Street: "I'm furious. We're sitting ducks. 'Heavy police presence' didn't stop this. Politicians offer thoughts and prayers while we risk our lives serving drinks. When do we actually change our laws and priorities? This is preventable."
David Miller, 56, Local Business Owner: "Sixth Street is the lifeblood of Austin's culture and economy. An attack here is an attack on our city's soul. We'll support the victims' families and rely on law enforcement to get answers, but we cannot let fear shut us down."