Three people were killed and 14 wounded in an early-morning shooting outside Buford’s Backyard Beer Garden in Austin. Authorities identified the suspect as 53-year-old Ndiaga Diagne and say he fired from his car before exiting and continuing to shoot outside the bar. Items recovered from his home and vehicle, including photographs of Iranian leaders, an Iranian flag and a Quran, have prompted an FBI review for a potential nexus to terrorism while the motive remains under investigation.
Austin Shooting Kills 3: Suspect Identified as Ndiaga Diagne; FBI Probes Possible Terror Link
A man identified by federal law enforcement sources as the gunman in the Austin shooting that left three people dead and 14 wounded is seen carrying a rifle and wearing a hoodie referencing "Allah" before he was shot and killed by police.(Fox News)
Investigators are probing a possible link to terrorism after an early-morning mass shooting outside Buford’s Backyard Beer Garden in Austin, Texas, left three people dead, including the suspected gunman, and 14 others wounded.
Ndiaga Diagne, 53, shot and killed two people and injured 14 others, police said. He was wearing a shirt featuring an Iranian flag.
What Happened
Authorities identified the shooter as Ndiaga Diagne, 53, a naturalized US citizen originally from Senegal. According to law enforcement and media reports, the attack took place shortly before 2 a.m. when the suspect fired from his vehicle at patrons on the bar patio and in front of the establishment. He then exited his car and continued shooting outside but did not enter the bar.
Members of the FBI and local law enforcement investigate outside of Buford's bar in downtown on March 1, 2026, in Austin, Texas.
Evidence Under Review
Law enforcement sources told media outlets that investigators recovered photographs of Iranian leaders and an Iranian flag inside the suspect's residence, and that a Quran was found in his vehicle. Officers also reported the suspect wore a sweatshirt bearing the phrase 'Property of Allah' and an undershirt displaying an Iranian flag. Federal agents have said these items are among the indicators prompting a review for a potential nexus to terrorism, though officials emphasize the investigation is ongoing.
Austin Police Department released a photo of Ndiaga Diagne as the suspect tied to Sunday's mass shooting.
It is still way too early in the process to determine an exact motivation, but there were indicators on the subject and in his vehicle that indicate potential nexus to terrorism, said an FBI acting special agent in charge.
Victims and Local Response
Two victims were publicly identified by officials as 21-year-old Savitha Shan and 19-year-old Ryder Harrington. Police confirmed three people died in the incident, including the suspect, and 14 others were treated for injuries. Austin law enforcement and federal partners are coordinating the ongoing investigation.
Federal agents comb the scene of a potential terrorist attack shooting in Austin, Texas.
Suspect Background
Reports indicate Diagne entered the United States in 2000 on a B-2 visa and later became a lawful permanent resident after marrying a US citizen. Media accounts cite a 2001 arrest in New York City for illegal vending and other sealed records between 2001 and 2016. Local court filings also reference an alleged motor vehicle incident in 2016 that led to a lawsuit claiming severe injuries. Police said the firearm used in the attack was legally obtained in San Antonio; Diagne was also arrested in Texas in 2022 on charges related to a collision that caused vehicle damage.
Investigation Status
Federal and local investigators continue to gather evidence and interview witnesses. Officials caution against drawing definitive conclusions about motive until forensic work and intelligence checks are complete. Retired counterterror officials commenting to media characterize some aspects of the attack as consistent with a lone-wolf or inspired attack, but law enforcement has not reached a final determination.
Note: This report summarizes information released by law enforcement and reputable media outlets as the investigation continues. Details may change as authorities release further findings.
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