AUSTIN TEXAS, Authorities have identified the three victims killed in Sunday morning’s mass shooting outside Buford’s Bar on West Sixth Street in downtown Austin. The attack left three civilians dead and more than a dozen others injured before the gunman was fatally shot by police.
The victims were identified as Savitha Shan, 21; Ryder Harrington, 19; and Jorge Pederson, 30.
According to the Austin Police Department, the suspect, 53-year-old Ndiaga Diagne, allegedly opened fire from his vehicle before exiting and continuing to shoot into a crowd in the busy entertainment district near the University of Texas campus. Officers who were stationed nearby responded within seconds and fatally shot the suspect. Officials stated the rapid response likely prevented additional casualties.
Four people are confirmed deceased, including the suspect. At least 14 others were transported to area hospitals, with several initially listed in critical condition.
Savitha Shan, 21, was a student at the University of Texas at Austin, where she was recognized for her leadership and campus involvement. The university referred to her by her full name, Savitha Shanmugasundaram.
UT President Jim Davis addressed the campus community, confirming that one of the victims was a university student and expressing condolences to her family and friends. Shan was active in Austin’s Tamil Sangam community and participated in Raas Roedo, which organizes traditional Gujarati folk dance events. She also founded an e-commerce venture known as Sunflakestickers.
Ryder Harrington, 19, had previously attended Texas Tech University and was affiliated with the Beta Theta Pi fraternity chapter. Family members described him as a beloved son, brother, and friend. A GoFundMe campaign has been created to assist his family with funeral and related expenses.
Jorge Pederson, 30, was identified as the third civilian victim. Authorities stated he had initially been listed in critical condition at a local hospital following the shooting. Med City Fighting Championships described him as a well-known Minnesota fighter.
Austin Mayor Kirk Watson urged residents to support one another during the period of mourning and emphasized the importance of community unity.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation and its Joint Terrorism Task Force are assisting in the investigation. Officials confirmed the case is being reviewed as a potential act of terrorism, though no final determination regarding motive has been announced.
Investigators reported that the suspect was wearing clothing bearing the phrase “Property of Allah” at the time of the incident. A Quran was recovered from his vehicle, and authorities stated he was also wearing an undershirt displaying imagery associated with the Iranian flag. Officials are examining whether ideological motivations or international developments may have played a role.
Video footage released publicly shows the moment the gunman began firing, highlighting the speed and severity of the incident.
The investigation remains ongoing as authorities continue reviewing surveillance video, digital evidence, and witness statements. City officials have pledged to provide further updates as verified information becomes available.
The Austin community continues to mourn the victims and support those injured in the shooting.
