Three Killed, More Than a Dozen Injured in Austin Bar Shooting; Terror Link Under Investigation
Authorities in the US city of Austin, Texas have identified the three people killed in a mass shooting outside a popular bar district that left more than a dozen others injured.
Police said Ryder Harrington, 19, and Savitha Shan, 21, died after a gunman opened fire early Sunday morning outside Buford’s bar, a venue frequently visited by students from the University of Texas at Austin. On Monday, officials confirmed that a third victim, Jorge Pederson, 30, had also died from injuries sustained in the attack.
More than a dozen people were wounded in the shooting, with several victims still reported to be in critical condition.
Police said the suspect, Ndiaga Diagne, was shot and killed by officers responding to reports of an active shooter around 02:00 local time on Sunday near Buford’s bar on West Sixth Street.
According to authorities, the gunman initially drove past the bar in a large SUV, activated the vehicle’s hazard lights and fired a pistol from the window, striking people gathered on the patio and nearby pavement. He later parked the vehicle, exited with a rifle and began walking back toward the bar before being confronted by three police officers at a nearby intersection.
Officers opened fire and killed the suspect at the scene.
Austin Police Chief Lisa Davis described the incident as deeply traumatic for the city.
“We recognise that this is a very traumatic moment in our city,” Davis said during a briefing. “I cannot imagine the grief, pain and loss these families are feeling today, and my heart is with them.”
Investigators from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) are examining whether the shooting could have links to terrorism. Acting Special Agent in Charge Alex Doran said evidence found in the suspect’s vehicle and on his person suggested possible indicators of a “nexus to terrorism,” although the investigation remains in its early stages.
According to reports from CBS News, Diagne was a naturalised US citizen originally from Senegal. Investigators also reportedly found an Iranian flag and images of Iranian leaders inside his home. Two sources told the broadcaster the suspect had been wearing a sweatshirt bearing the words “Property of Allah.”
Officials are also exploring whether the attack could be connected to heightened tensions following recent US and Israeli military strikes against Iran that reportedly killed Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.
Texas Governor Greg Abbott said federal and state authorities would thoroughly investigate whether the attack had any links to terrorism or accomplices.
“We will not rest until every last trail or piece of information is pursued to determine if there’s anybody else involved in this whatsoever,” Abbott said.
Republican Senator Ted Cruz, who represents Texas, condemned the shooting as a “senseless act of violence” and praised the rapid response of law enforcement.
Police said officers were already heavily deployed in the city’s busy entertainment district, including East Sixth Street and West Sixth Street, which helped them respond to the attack within 57 seconds.
Austin Mayor Kirk Watson said the quick response likely prevented more casualties.
The shooting occurred just days before the international South by Southwest (SXSW) festival is set to begin in Austin, an event that typically draws hundreds of thousands of visitors to the city.
In a statement, University of Texas president Jim Davis expressed condolences to those affected.
“Our prayers are with the victims and all those impacted, including members of our Longhorn family,” he said.
Staff at Buford’s bar also released a statement offering condolences to the victims’ families and praising law enforcement for their swift response to the tragedy.