Death toll rises to 3 as officials probe whether Austin mass shooting motivated by Iran strikes
Death toll rises to 3 as officials probe whether Austin mass shooting motivated by Iran strikes
Shooting on Sixth Street leaves multiple injured
On Sunday morning, gunfire erupted along Austin’s Sixth Street, a hub of nightlife and music, as bars closed for the evening. The attack, which targeted pedestrians, resulted in three fatalities and over a dozen injuries, according to Austin Police Chief Lisa Davis. The incident occurred in the capital of Texas, drawing immediate attention from local authorities.
Suspect’s background under scrutiny
The deceased include Ryder Harrington, 19, and Savitha Shan, 21, confirmed by Davis during a Monday press briefing. A third victim, Jorge Pederson, 30, succumbed to injuries after being shot, the police department stated. Initial reports had varied ages for the victims, but details were later clarified. Officials are examining whether the suspect, Ndiaga Diagne, 53, was influenced by recent US and Israeli military actions against Iran.
“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 said.
Investigation into motive and criminal history
Diagne, who was fatally shot by police, wore a shirt featuring an Iranian flag beneath a hoodie inscribed with “Property of Allah,” a detail shared by a law enforcement source. Investigators are analyzing “thousands of hours of video” and interviewing witnesses to uncover potential links to the attacks. Federal agencies, including the FBI, are collaborating to assess the suspect’s mental health records and criminal past, which include a 2022 arrest for a minor traffic violation.
The suspect, originally from Senegal, arrived in the US on a B-2 tourist visa in 2000 and later became a lawful permanent resident through marriage to a US citizen. He naturalized in 2013. Multiple addresses in Texas are associated with his stay, though the timeline of his relocation remains unclear.
Timeline of the violence
The shooting began at Buford’s Backyard Beer Garden, where a man opened fire from a large SUV. Davis described how the suspect activated his car flashers, rolled down the window, and fired at patrons on the patio. After moving west on Sixth Street, he parked and switched to a rifle, targeting people on the sidewalk. Federal concerns about terrorism were raised as police secured the scene and began the investigation.
Authorities also searched a Pflugerville home linked to Diagne, retrieving items and examining a vehicle. The focus was on digital and physical evidence, including potential propaganda materials or writings, to determine the suspect’s intent. “We don’t want to speculate or make any guesses at this stage of the investigation as to what that motive ultimately was,” said Alex Doran, acting FBI special agent in charge of the San Antonio division.
Continued probe for clarity
CNN has contacted the Austin Police Department and the FBI for additional information. The investigation continues to uncover details about Diagne’s possible motivations, with officials emphasizing the need for thorough analysis before drawing conclusions.
