Austin Shooting: Suspect ID’d, Possible Terrorism Link Investigated

Who Was Ndiaga Diagne, the Austin, Texas, Mass Shooter?

In the early hours of Sunday, March 2, 2026, a shooting unfolded on Austin’s West 6th Street, leaving three people dead and fourteen injured. The suspect, identified as 53-year-old Ndiaga Diagne, was ultimately killed by police after opening fire on patrons outside Buford’s bar. This article details what is currently known about Diagne, his background, and the ongoing investigation into the motive behind the attack.

The Shooting and Initial Response

According to reports, Diagne fired upon people from a vehicle before exiting and continuing to shoot. Austin Police Chief Lisa Davis confirmed that the incident prompted a large-scale response, with federal partners, including the FBI, joining the investigation due to concerns about potential terrorism. The FBI is examining Diagne’s criminal history and background as part of this investigation.

Victims Identified

Police have identified the three victims who died as Savitha Shan, 21, Ryder Harrington, 19, and Jorge Pederson, 30. Shan was a student at the University of Texas at Austin, and Harrington was a former student at Texas Tech University. Pederson passed away Monday after being on life support. Fourteen others were injured in the attack, with some sustaining serious injuries.

Ndiaga Diagne’s Background and Immigration History

Ndiaga Diagne was a Senegalese immigrant who became a naturalized U.S. Citizen. He initially entered the United States on March 13, 2000, with a B-2 tourist visa. He later adjusted his status to lawful permanent resident in June 2006 after marrying a U.S. Citizen and became a naturalized citizen on April 5, 2013. Details regarding his wife and current marital status remain unclear.

Diagne had previously resided in New York before moving to Texas, though the exact timing of his relocation is unknown. Public records indicate he had minor interactions with law enforcement in both states.

What Investigators Have Found

An image obtained by CNN showed Diagne wearing a hoodie with the phrase “Property of Allah” emblazoned on it. A T-shirt with an Iranian flag design was also found on him. Both firearms used in the shooting were legally purchased in San Antonio in 2017. A Quran was discovered in his vehicle.

Legal History and Prior Incidents

Diagne had a prior arrest in Texas in 2022 for collision with vehicle damage, a misdemeanor offense. He was also involved in a civil lawsuit in New York in 2017 after allegedly hitting a pedestrian with his car, resulting in injuries to the pedestrian. The outcome of that lawsuit is currently unclear.

The Ongoing Investigation and Potential Motives

The motive behind the shooting remains under investigation. Law enforcement officials are exploring whether the attack was inspired by recent events, including the strikes on Iran by the US, and Israel. The FBI is examining Diagne’s background for any potential connections to terrorism.

Authorities are currently reviewing Diagne’s digital footprint, including computers and phones, to determine if he had been exposed to extremist propaganda or had expressed any plans for violence. They are also investigating whether he had any history of mental health issues.

Police plan to release body camera footage and additional information regarding Diagne’s criminal history later this week, as part of the investigation into the officer-involved shooting.

The investigation is ongoing, and further details are expected to emerge as authorities continue to gather evidence and analyze the available information.