Trending Now - FBI Launches Terrorism Inquiry After Series of Nightclub Shootings
WHO:
President Trump: Mentioned in relation to ongoing safety concerns.
Lisa Davis: Austin Police Chief who provided updates on the shooting.
Robert Luckritz: Austin-Travis County EMS Chief who reported on the response.
Kirk Watson: Mayor of Austin who praised the rapid response of public safety officials.
Ndiaga Diagne: 53-year-old naturalized U.S. citizen and suspected gunman.
Savitha Shan: 21-year-old victim, dual-degree honor student at the University of Texas at Austin.
Jorge Pederson: 30-year-old victim, mixed martial arts fighter.
Ryder Harrington: 19-year-old victim, student at Texas Tech University.
Bob Woody: Owner of Buford’s Backyard Beer Garden.
WHAT:
Three people were killed and 14 others were injured in a shooting at Buford’s Backyard Beer Garden.
The shooting occurred just after 2 a.m. on March 1, 2026.
The suspect was killed by police officers responding to the incident.
Three of the injured were reported to be in critical condition.
The FBI is investigating the shooting as a potential act of terrorism.
The gunman opened fire from his vehicle and continued shooting after exiting the vehicle.
WHERE:
Buford’s Backyard Beer Garden, located at West Sixth and Rio Grande streets, Austin, Texas.
The incident took place in Austin’s entertainment district near the University of Texas.
WHEN:
The shooting occurred on March 1, 2026, at approximately 2 a.m.
Emergency services received the first call at 1:59 a.m.
Police arrived on the scene within 57 seconds of the call.
WHY:
The investigation is exploring potential links to terrorism, particularly in light of recent U.S. airstrikes in Iran.
Authorities noted indicators in the suspect's vehicle suggesting a possible nexus to terrorism.
HOW:
The suspect used a pistol to shoot at patrons from his vehicle and continued firing with a rifle after exiting the vehicle.
Police officers returned fire, killing the suspect at the scene.
Emergency medical services were on-site rapidly due to a pre-existing presence in the entertainment district.
QUOTES:
"I'm very thankful for the speed with which our public safety officials responded to this. I don't think there's any question that it saved lives," said Mayor Kirk Watson.
"This is a tragic, tragic incident," stated Police Chief Lisa Davis.
"Your swift and courageous actions saved so many," said Bob Woody, praising first responders.
A tragic shooting at Buford’s Backyard Beer Garden in Austin early last Monday left three people dead and 14 others injured, with three of the injured in critical condition. The suspect, identified as 53-year-old Ndiaga Diagne, opened fire from his vehicle just after 2 a.m. before continuing the attack on foot, but was quickly killed by responding police officers. Austin Police Chief Lisa Davis described the incident as tragic, while Mayor Kirk Watson praised the rapid response of public safety officials, stating it likely saved lives. The FBI is now investigating the shooting as a potential act of terrorism, particularly in light of recent U.S. airstrikes in Iran, with evidence in the suspect's vehicle suggesting possible links. Among the victims were 21-year-old Savitha Shan, a dual-degree honor student, 30-year-old mixed martial arts fighter Jorge Pederson, and 19-year-old Ryder Harrington, a student at Texas Tech University.