Newly released police body camera footage depicts the chaotic scene as a gunman opened fire outside an Austin bar early Sunday morning, leaving three people dead and more than a dozen injured. The shooting is currently under investigation as a potential act of terrorism.
A Rapidly Unfolding Attack
The footage, released Thursday, shows bar patrons and pedestrians scrambling for safety as shots rang out in downtown Austin’s entertainment district. One officer can be heard yelling, “Everybody down! Where is he?” Austin Police Chief Lisa Davis stated that officers arrived at the scene within 56 seconds of the first 911 call and fatally shot the suspect after he discharged his weapon at them.
The FBI is investigating a possible terrorism motive, and a law enforcement official reported the suspect was wearing clothing displaying an Iranian flag design and the words “Property of Allah.” The venue, Buford’s Backyard Beer Garden, is located on Sixth Street, a popular nightlife area near the University of Texas at Austin.
The Victims
Those killed in the shooting were identified as 30-year-old Jorge Pederson, 21-year-old Savitha Shan, and 19-year-old Ryder Harrington. Pederson, an aspiring mixed martial arts fighter who recently moved to Texas from Minnesota, was remembered by his former gym for bringing “light and joy” to training. Shan, a business student at the University of Texas at Austin, had a job offer from a consulting firm and was described by her family as an only child whose death was “profoundly unfair.” Harrington had attended Texas Tech University and was remembered by his fraternity brothers for his ability to “make ordinary days unforgettable.”
According to police, most of those shot were outside the bar, including one person waiting for transportation. A 911 call released Thursday captured the panic, with a caller stating, “There has been a shooting at Buford’s…There are people dead over here. We need help right now.”
Police say the suspect, identified as 53-year-old Ndiaga Diagne, legally purchased the pistol and rifle used in the attack. He initially fired shots from his SUV before parking and continuing the attack with a rifle, ultimately being shot and killed by responding officers.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the response time of the police?
Austin Police Chief Lisa Davis said officers arrived within 56 seconds of the first 911 call.
What was the suspect wearing?
A law enforcement official stated the suspect was wearing clothes with an Iranian flag design and bearing the words “Property of Allah.”
Where did the shooting take place?
The shooting occurred outside Buford’s Backyard Beer Garden on Sixth Street in downtown Austin.
As the investigation continues, authorities may seek to determine the full extent of Diagne’s motivations and any potential connections to extremist ideologies. Further analysis of his background and communications could reveal additional insights into the events leading up to the shooting. It is also possible that the investigation will focus on identifying any individuals who may have assisted or influenced Diagne.
