Death toll rises to 3 as officials probe whether Austin mass shooting motivated by Iran strikes

Austin Mass Shooting Leaves 3 Dead, 12 Injured

On Sunday morning, a sudden burst of gunfire erupted along Austin’s lively Sixth Street, a hub for bars and music venues. The attack, which occurred as establishments were closing, resulted in three fatalities and over a dozen injuries. Austin Police Chief Lisa Davis revealed Monday that 19-year-old Ryder Harrington and 21-year-old Savitha Shan were among the victims. A third person, 30-year-old Jorge Pederson, also succumbed to his wounds, according to police reports. Officials initially miscalculated some details, but further updates clarified the toll.

Investigation into Suspect’s Motives and Background

Authorities are examining whether the suspect, 53-year-old Ndiaga Diagne, was inspired by recent US and Israeli military actions against Iran. Diagne, who was fatally shot by police during the incident, wore a shirt featuring an Iranian flag under a hoodie emblazoned with “Property of Allah,” a law enforcement official noted. Investigators are analyzing thousands of hours of footage and speaking with witnesses to uncover potential links to the attack. “We don’t want to speculate or make guesses about the motive yet,” said Alex Doran, acting special agent in charge of the FBI’s San Antonio division.

“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 explained.

Law enforcement teams secured the scene within minutes, with officers responding swiftly to the initial shots fired from a large SUV outside Buford’s Backyard Beer Garden. The suspect later parked the vehicle and took up a rifle to target pedestrians. Officials are also reviewing Diagne’s criminal record and mental health history to assess his potential intent. Multiple agencies are collaborating to determine if the attack was connected to broader geopolitical tensions.

Suspect’s Immigration History and Past Arrests

Diagne arrived in the US on March 13, 2000, under a B-2 tourist visa. He became a lawful permanent resident in June 2006 through marriage to a US citizen and later naturalized in April 2013. Born in Senegal, he initially settled in New York before relocating to Texas, though the exact time of his move remains unclear. A DHS official noted that Diagne was arrested in 2022 for a minor traffic offense, involving a collision with a vehicle. His mental health records are being scrutinized as part of the ongoing probe.

Authorities are also examining items seized from his home in Pflugerville, a suburb of Austin. Law enforcement hauled boxes of belongings and inspected a car in the driveway, searching for clues about his possible plans. The investigation is focusing on digital and physical evidence to determine if he engaged with extremist propaganda or left written statements. Federal collaboration is underway to address concerns about potential terrorism, as Davis emphasized.

The Sixth Street corridor, known for its dense cluster of entertainment venues, is just a short drive from the University of Texas at Austin, home to nearly 55,000 students. While the motive remains unconfirmed, the suspect’s attire and actions are under close examination. CNN has contacted the Austin Police Department and the FBI’s San Antonio division for additional insights into the case.