Austin Shooting at Buford’s Backyard kills two; FBI cites 'indicators' in terrorism probe

The austin shooting outside Buford’s Backyard Beer Garden on Sixth Street left two victims dead, 14 others wounded and prompted an FBI inquiry into possible terrorism links. Law enforcement officers shot and killed the gunman at a nearby intersection after confronting him within about a minute of the first shots.

Austin Shooting at Buford’s Backyard: sequence of events on Sixth Street

The attack unfolded around closing time, about 2 a. m., as hundreds of patrons were leaving the popular nightspot near the University of Texas campus. Investigators say the gunman drove a large SUV around the block several times before stopping in front of the bar and firing a pistol out of his front window at people on the front patio.

After that initial attack he parked, exited the vehicle and began shooting at pedestrians on the street. Officers ran to an intersection on 6th Street, confronted the shooter in less than a minute of the first gunshot and shot him. Two victims and the shooter died at the scene; first responders transported 14 other patients to nearby hospitals, three of whom were in critical condition.

Shooter identified as Ndiaga Diagne, 53, with prior arrests and mental-health flags

Authorities have identified the gunman as 53-year-old Ndiaga Diagne, originally from Senegal. He is described in reports as an ex-New York City resident who became a U. S. citizen. Law enforcement records and accounts note a history of arrests in New York and Texas and that he had been known as an emotionally disturbed person in both places.

In New York City he had arrests between 2001 and 2016; he was arrested in 2001 for illegal vending, and other city arrests are described as sealed. One account says he applied for asylum in 2016. One person familiar with the investigation said Diagne came to the U. S. in 2006 and was a naturalized U. S. citizen; another account places his naturalization in 2013 and says he arrived in the U. S. in 2000. His exact arrival date is unclear in the provided context.

Clothing, weapons and items found that drew FBI interest

Investigators have noted several items and garments that prompted further scrutiny. The shooter wore a sweatshirt that read "Property of Allah" and also wore or carried clothing bearing an Iranian-flag design or other Iranian symbols, and a Quran was found in his car. Officers said the gunman used a pistol and a rifle during the attack.

The FBI is investigating the incident as a potential act of terrorism because of "indicators" found on the gunman and in his vehicle. Alex Doran, acting special agent in charge of the FBI’s San Antonio office, said it was still too early to make a determination on motive and that the agency was examining any potential nexus to terrorism.

Local officials, university and scene details

Austin Police Chief Lisa Davis described the sequence in which the suspect fired from his vehicle, then exited and fired on people in the area before officers engaged him. Austin Mayor Kirk Watson praised the speed of the public-safety response, saying, "Our hearts go out to the people that are victims of this and I want to reiterate my thanks to our public safety officers and officials that so rapidly were on the scene, they definitely saved lives. "

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott issued a statement that said in part, "This act of violence will not define us, nor will it shake the resolve of Texans. To anyone who thinks about using the current conflict in the Middle East to threaten Texans or our critical infrastructure, understand this clearly: Texas will respond with decisive and overwhelming force to protect our state. "

University President Jim Davis said some of those affected included "members of our Longhorn family" and offered prayers for victims and those impacted.

Crime-scene details, prior Sixth Street shootings and other incidents

At the scene, officers and witnesses described overturned tables and drinks left behind by fleeing customers; one victim was found in the street between two parked cars. The Sixth Street entertainment district, a nightlife corridor with a heavy police presence on weekends, has seen at least two other high-profile shootings within the last five years, including one in the summer of 2021 that left 14 people wounded.

Separately, another shooting in Cincinnati early the same day wounded nine people at a nightclub and concert venue; officials there said none of those nine injuries were life-threatening.