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Austin Bar Shooting Now Leaves 3 Dead as FBI Probes Possible Terrorism Link

Investigators say suspect Ndiaga Diagne, a naturalized U.S. citizen from Senegal, wore Iran-related clothing and legally purchased his firearms years earlier, but they have not determined a motive.

Overview

  • Police identified the deceased as 21-year-old Savitha Shan, 19-year-old Ryder Harrington, and 30-year-old Jorge Pederson, who was later confirmed dead after being taken off life support.
  • Authorities say the gunman fired from an SUV with a pistol outside Buford’s Backyard Beer Garden, then exited with a rifle before nearby officers shot and killed him within about a minute.
  • The FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force is assisting Austin police, citing indicators such as a “Property of Allah” sweatshirt, an Iranian-flag shirt, and a Quran found in the vehicle, while stressing the motive remains undetermined.
  • Officials describe Diagne, 53, as a lone actor not previously on law enforcement’s radar; DHS records show he entered the U.S. in 2000, became a permanent resident in 2006, and naturalized in 2013.
  • Fourteen people were hospitalized and several remain in critical condition, as investigators process digital and physical evidence and Texas authorities increase security around critical infrastructure.