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Austin Officers Who Killed Mass Shooter to Face Grand Jury Review Under DA Policy

A standing Travis County directive sends all officer shootings to a grand jury.

Overview

  • Three Austin police officers fatally shot suspected gunman Ndiaga Diagne after he opened fire outside Buford’s Backyard Beer Garden on Sixth Street.
  • The review will determine whether any charges are warranted, and no charges have been filed or officer identities released to date.
  • Attorney Doug O’Connell says the Austin Police Association retained his firm to represent the officers in the grand jury process.
  • O’Connell criticizes Texas grand jury secrecy and contends prosecutors control what evidence jurors see in these cases.
  • Authorities have cited a potential terrorism nexus, noting Diagne wore a “Property of Allah” sweatshirt and that clothing with Iranian flag colors and a Quran were reported among items found.