Third person dies after Austin bar shooting
Third Person Dies Following Austin Bar Shooting
Austin authorities confirmed Monday that a third victim of a Sunday morning bar shooting on Sixth Street has passed away. Jorge Pederson, 30, succumbed to his injuries, joining Ryder Harrington and Savitha Shan in the list of fatalities, according to police. Over a dozen others were wounded during the attack, which occurred near a prominent beer garden in downtown Austin.
Shooter Details Revealed
The suspect, Ndiaga Diagne, a 53-year-old Senegalese national and naturalized U.S. citizen from Pflugerville, was killed by officers shortly after the incident. Law enforcement officials stated Diagne had no known connections to the state, though he exhibited signs of mental health struggles. Davis, the police chief, noted that the suspect’s firearms were legally purchased in San Antonio in 2017. A motive remains under investigation, with possibilities including terrorism.
Family Tributes and Emotional Impact
Ryder Harrington, a 19-year-old Texas Tech University student, was remembered by his family as a vibrant presence in their lives. His brother, Reed Harrington, shared on Facebook, “Ryder was the best mix of all the Harrington crew.” The post reflected on his legacy, stating, “It is unfair, to say the least, that my little brother was only given 19 years on this earth. Watching the man he had become, and seeing all the lives he touched, leaves me certain that this world was robbed of a great future.”
“I don’t think life will ever feel normal again. I have no idea what I’m supposed to do, but I know you will always be there to guide me and be my mentor.”
Harrington’s sister, Reagan Harrington, memorialized him on Instagram, calling him her “best friend.” She expressed grief, writing, “I can’t believe you aren’t with me right now.” Another sibling, Ryan Harrington, added, “I’m gonna miss my brother.”
Fraternity and Community Response
Diagne’s actions have prompted a candlelight vigil by his fraternity, Beta Theta Pi, scheduled for Monday at 8 p.m. The chapter also launched a GoFundMe campaign to aid his family. The fraternity described Harrington as a “light that was impossible to ignore,” highlighting his ability to bring joy and create lasting memories.
State House Speaker Dustin Burrows shared the news on X, noting that Harrington was the brother-in-law of a team member. He praised the teen as “a young man who made a difference without even trying,” emphasizing his loyalty, humor, and pride in being a Red Raider and Texan.
Medical Updates and Ongoing Investigation
Emergency medical services chief Robert Luckritz reported that three individuals were hospitalized in critical condition. On Monday, Davis announced that one of these patients was removed from life support later in the day. The remaining two remain in serious condition. The incident unfolded outside Buford’s, a downtown Austin beer garden, with Diagne wearing a sweatshirt bearing “Property of Allah” and an Iranian flag-themed shirt.
