
Three Austin mass shooting victims identified as authorities continue investigating motive
Federal and local authorities continued Monday to investigate a potential terrorism motive in a mass shooting over the weekend in Austin, Texas, that left three dead and 14 others injured. The suspect was killed by police during the attack.
Austin Police Chief Lisa Davis identified the victims killed as 21-year-old University of Texas student Savitha Shan, 19-year-old Texas Tech University student Ryder Harrington, and 30-year-old Jorge Pederson. Three of the injured remain in critical condition, and one was scheduled to be removed from life support on Monday. The total number of wounded from the incident is 14.
The FBI said it is exploring a possible terrorism link, noting “indicators” in the suspect’s vehicle that could suggest such a connection, though investigators cautioned it is too early to determine motive. The suspect, identified as 53-year-old Ndiaga Diagne, a naturalized U.S. citizen born in Senegal, lived in Pflugerville, Texas. Reports indicate he wore clothing referencing Allah and Iran, including a T-shirt with the Iranian flag and an image of the late Shah of Iran.
Authorities are reviewing thousands of hours of video and a large amount of digital and physical evidence while interviewing approximately 150 witnesses. Davis said the suspect’s criminal history is under review, and the gun used in the attack was legally purchased in 2017 in San Antonio.
Police said the shooting began just before 2 a.m. Sunday near Buford’s Bar in Austin’s West Sixth Street entertainment district. The suspect drove an SUV around the block while firing at people outside the bar and on the patio, then exited the vehicle to continue shooting on the sidewalk before being fatally shot by police. Mayor Kirk Watson credited the quick response of law enforcement and emergency services with saving multiple lives.
Harrington was a member of the Beta Theta Pi fraternity, which praised his kindness and ability to bring joy to others. Shan was described by University of Texas President Jim Davis as a devoted student and friend whose loss has left the campus community grieving. Several other University of Texas students were also among the injured, with families receiving support from university officials as they recover.
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