Three individuals lost their lives, and over a dozen others sustained injuries during a shooting incident that occurred shortly before 2 a.m. on March 1 at Buford’s, a bar situated at the intersection of West Sixth and Rio Grande streets. The shooter, identified as 53-year-old Ndiaga Diagne, was shot and killed by police. The FBI has launched an investigation into the event, considering it a potential act of terrorism.
Jorge Pederson, a newcomer to Austin, was one of the victims. He had moved to the city from Minneapolis only weeks earlier, lured by a new job, the warmer climate, and the vibrant live comedy scene. On the night of the shooting, Pederson was at Buford’s meeting a new coworker when the gunfire erupted. He was just 30 years old.
Friends and family from both Austin and Minneapolis are grappling with the profound loss, sharing memories of a person they describe as “unapologetically himself.” Kit Ingersoll, Pederson’s childhood best friend, reflected on their bond while transporting Pederson’s belongings back to Minneapolis. “He loved deeply and protected those around him fiercely,” Ingersoll conveyed. “Jorge and I started a moving company together, so it feels fitting that I’m the one handling the move back.”
Pederson was known for his hard work and determination. Ingersoll highlighted his friend’s disciplined approach to life and business, recalling how Pederson readily agreed to leave his previous job to become his business partner. “He said, ‘I’d absolutely love to be your partner. I’ll put my two weeks in right now,’” Ingersoll remembered, noting that Pederson even sent a screenshot of his resignation shortly afterward.
The mixed martial arts community in Minnesota is also mourning Pederson’s passing. He had dedicated the last five years to MMA, often training six days a week, and was preparing for his first professional match scheduled for May. Fellow MMA fighter Brody Oothoudt praised Pederson’s welcoming nature and his commitment to the sport’s true spirit. “He was a good guy, working to make a positive impact,” Oothoudt said, organizing an online fundraiser to assist with Pederson’s funeral expenses.
At 6-foot-4 and weighing 185 pounds, Pederson was a formidable presence in the ring, yet he never injured anyone during sparring sessions, according to his coach, Reshal Malik. “To control your weapons… it takes a very special athlete to do that,” Malik noted, also remembering Pederson’s humor, which lightened the atmosphere during intense training.
Pederson’s distinctive personality extended beyond the gym; he was known for his dry and often enigmatic sense of humor. Todd Fossey, a long-time training partner, likened his comedic style to that of Andy Kaufman. Pederson enjoyed playing various personas, whether as a tough MMA fighter or a whimsical character at a renaissance festival. His girlfriend, Olivia Caspers, recounted an occasion where they dressed in “full emo” attire for a concert, resulting in a memorable and energetic experience.
His creativity also shone through in his online presence, where he shared short videos on martial arts culture and recently ventured into stand-up comedy. Caspers shared that they had plans to attend a comedy show in Austin in March as she visited from Minneapolis.
Ingersoll noted that Pederson embraced his move to Austin with the same decisiveness that characterized his life choices. After accepting a marketing position, he sold his share of their moving business and relocated. “He referred to Austin as a boomtown,” Ingersoll said, adding that Pederson was eager to be part of something exciting.
Caspers, who intended to reunite with Pederson after he settled into his new job, recalled how he frequently called her during lunch breaks, expressing how welcoming and friendly everyone was in Austin. “He felt like he could really excel here,” she said.
On the evening of February 28, Pederson visited a sushi restaurant where his friend Kelson Li was helping out. After posting a supportive online review, they explored the city together. “That night, he was really proud of starting this new chapter in life,” Li recalled.
After Li left Buford’s for a brief moment to catch up with another friend, he was startled by the sound of gunfire upon his return. Pederson later died in a local hospital, surrounded by loved ones. “He fought really hard to make it to the hospital, and I believe that was for his family to say goodbye,” Caspers reflected, affirming Pederson’s strength and fighting spirit.
