A mass shooting plunged Austin’s bustling West Sixth Street entertainment district into chaos early on Sunday morning, leaving three people dead including the suspected gunman and 14 others wounded, according to local authorities. The incident occurred at Buford’s Backyard Beer Garden, a popular bar and gathering spot just a few miles from the University of Texas campus.
Shortly before 2 a.m. local time, gunfire erupted as a man drove a large SUV past the bar multiple times, then stopped with his hazard lights activated and began firing into crowds on the patio and sidewalk with a pistol, striking patrons and passersby.
Witness accounts and police statements indicate that after shooting from his vehicle, the suspect parked a short distance away, exited with a rifle, and continued firing at people in the vicinity before law enforcement officers engaged him, fatally shooting the attacker at an intersection.
First responders arrived on scene in under a minute of the initial 911 call, thanks in part to routine patrols in the busy nightlife area. Austin-Travis County EMS Chief Robert Luckritz said those injured were quickly transported to local hospitals, with several in critical condition. The victims killed in the attack have not yet been publicly identified.
Authorities have identified the suspected shooter as 53-year-old Ndiaga Diagne, but officials have stressed that they are still working to determine his motive. Both the Austin Police Department and the FBI have stated that he was not previously known to law enforcement and was not under investigation before the attack.
In a notable development, the FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force has joined local investigators to examine whether the shooting constitutes an act of terrorism. Preliminary remarks from federal officials suggest “indicators” that could link the attack to broader geopolitical tensions, including recent international conflicts though no definitive motive has been established. Investigators are continuing to comb through evidence for any nexus to terrorist intent or inspiration.
The attack has shaken the heart of Austin’s nightlife scene, where bars and live music venues draw crowds of residents, college students, and visitors late into weekend nights. West Sixth Street, known for its vibrant atmosphere, was partially closed for hours as crime scene investigators processed the area surrounding Buford’s, which features open-air patios and street-facing seating.
Community response has been swift, with mourners leaving flowers and tributes near the bar in the aftermath of the violence. Local leaders and residents expressed shock and grief over the tragedy in what is typically a celebration district. Austin Mayor Kirk Watson and other officials have praised the rapid response of police and emergency personnel, saying their actions likely prevented further loss of life.
As the investigation continues, residents and visitors alike are grappling with the sudden violence that unfolded in a place they associate with social gatherings and nightlife. Federal and local law enforcement agencies have pledged to provide updates as more information on the suspect’s motive and potential links to broader threats becomes available.
