Three Dead, Fourteen Injured in Austin Bar Shooting; Suspect Identified

Tragic Incident Unfolds on West Sixth Street

A mass shooting occurred early Sunday, March 1, 2026, at Buford's bar, also known as Buford's Backyard Beer Garden, located on West Sixth Street in downtown Austin, Texas. The incident tragically claimed the lives of three individuals, including the suspected gunman, and left fourteen others injured. Emergency services received the first call reporting the shooting just before 2 a.m., with police responding within a minute.

Details of the Attack and Suspect Identification

Austin Police Chief Lisa Davis reported that the suspected gunman, identified as 53-year-old Ndiaga Diagne, drove a large SUV past the bar multiple times. He then fired a pistol from his vehicle at patrons on the patio and in front of the bar. After parking, Diagne exited the vehicle armed with a rifle and continued to shoot at people walking by. Responding officers confronted Diagne at an intersection, where they fatally shot him.

Diagne, a naturalized U.S. citizen originally from Senegal and a resident of Pflugerville, Texas, was reportedly wearing clothing that stated 'Property of Allah' and featured an Iranian flag design. A Quran was also found in his vehicle. Of the fourteen injured individuals transported to local hospitals, three were reported to be in critical condition.

Investigation and Potential Terrorism Link

The Federal Bureau of Investigation's Joint Terrorism Task Force has joined the Austin Police Department in the ongoing investigation. FBI official Alex Doran stated that while it is 'way too early to determine motivation,' evidence found on the shooter and in his vehicle indicates a 'potential nexus to terrorism.' Investigators are exploring whether Diagne was ideologically motivated, possibly triggered by recent U.S. and Israeli strikes in Iran. Sources also indicate that Diagne had a history of mental illness.

Official Reactions and Community Impact

Austin Police Chief Lisa Davis described the event as a 'tragic, tragic incident.' Austin Mayor Kirk Watson praised the swift response of first responders, stating, 'I don't think there's any question: it saved lives.' Governor Greg Abbott has directed the Texas Department of Public Safety to increase patrols and law enforcement presence in the Sixth Street District during weekends. The area, known for its vibrant nightlife and proximity to the University of Texas, is a popular destination for students, some of whom were among those impacted.