Death toll rises to 3 as officials probe whether Austin mass shooting motivated by Iran strikes
Death toll climbs to 3 as Austin shooting probe links suspect to Iran strikes
Sunday dawn found Austin’s Sixth Street, a hub of nightlife and entertainment, engulfed in chaos after a sudden wave of gunfire. The attack, which occurred as bars were closing, resulted in three fatalities and over a dozen injuries, according to officials. Austin Police Chief Lisa Davis provided updates on Monday, confirming the deaths of Ryder Harrington, 19, and Savitha Shan, 21, while a third victim, Jorge Pederson, 30, succumbed to wounds sustained during the incident.
Authorities have not yet pinned down the suspect’s motive, though federal investigators are examining ties to this weekend’s U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran. The 53-year-old Ndiaga Diagne, who was shot dead by police, is under scrutiny for his actions. Law enforcement officials noted that Diagne’s clothing—featuring an Iranian flag and a hoodie labeled “Property of Allah”—may hint at his possible inspiration.
“Our suspect was coming toward East Austin or East Sixth Street, officers were coming toward him, and at the intersection, he was shot and he was killed,” Davis stated.
Diagne, originally from Senegal, arrived in the U.S. on a B-2 visa on March 13, 2000, and later secured lawful permanent residency through marriage in June 2006. He completed his naturalization process on April 5, 2013. Despite his background, Austin police and the FBI had no prior records of him, according to a Homeland Security official.
The shooting unfolded in stages. Initially, Diagne fired from a large SUV near Buford’s Backyard Beer Garden, using a pistol while his flashers were activated. After parking and exiting with a rifle, he targeted pedestrians, according to Davis. The scene was quickly secured, prompting police to consult federal agencies about potential terrorist ties.
Investigators are combing through thousands of hours of video footage and witness accounts to uncover Diagne’s plans. They are also analyzing digital and physical evidence, including computers and phones from his Pflugerville residence. “We don’t want to speculate or make any guesses at this stage,” said Alex Doran, acting FBI special agent in charge, emphasizing the need for thorough analysis.
Diagne’s history in Texas includes multiple addresses and an arrest in 2022 for a minor collision charge. Officials are reviewing his mental health records to assess any prior concerns. As details emerge, CNN continues to seek further clarification from the Austin Police Department and the FBI’s San Antonio division.
