AUSTIN, Texas – The Austin Police Department has released additional details regarding the tragic mass shooting that occurred on March 1 in downtown Austin, resulting in the deaths of three individuals, including the shooter, and injuring 14 others.
A news conference is scheduled for 12 p.m. (CT) at the Austin Police Headquarters to provide further updates on the investigation.
Background on the Incident
During the horrific event outside a bar in the bustling Sixth Street entertainment district, authorities identified the shooter as 53-year-old Ndiaga Diagne, a naturalized U.S. citizen of Senegalese origin residing in Pflugerville. He was photographed wearing a sweatshirt emblazoned with “Property of Allah” and a T-shirt underneath featuring an Iranian flag.
The victims of the shooting include 21-year-old Savitha Shan, 19-year-old Ryder Harrington, and 30-year-old Jorge Pederson. Shan and Harrington succumbed to their injuries on the day of the shooting, while Pederson passed away the following day.
Details of the Shooting
The shooting unfolded early Sunday morning, beginning with a call to police around 1:40 a.m. regarding a man firing shots at Buford’s bar. Upon their arrival, officers confronted Diagne, who was armed, and subsequently returned fire, killing him. Police Chief Lisa Davis stated that the gunman possessed two firearms during the incident but never entered the bar. Instead, he shot from his vehicle before exiting with a rifle.
Following the incident, an explosives team was summoned to inspect the shooter’s vehicle after investigators discovered suspicious items inside, though no explosives were found. Chief Davis noted that the firearms used in the attack had been legally purchased in 2017, and the shooter had not previously been on the radar of local or federal law enforcement.
Investigation and Official Statements
The Travis County District Attorney’s Office has concluded its review of the officers involved in the shooting. DA Jose Garza emphasized that the officers acted heroically and would not face any charges. He criticized false narratives suggesting otherwise, attributing them to political motivations.
Garza expressed gratitude for the bravery displayed by the officers and extended condolences to the families affected by this tragic violence, condemning those who seek to exploit the situation for political gain.
