A deadly early-morning shooting in Austin’s Sixth Street entertainment district left the community reeling after multiple people were killed, including 19-year-old Ryder Harrington.
Authorities responded to reports of gunfire around 1:40 a.m. Sunday near Buford’s, a bar popular with college students and a short distance from the University of Texas at Austin campus. The attack left three people dead — including the gunman — and injured at least 14 others.
Ryder Harrington, 19, was among those killed, his father, Michael Harrington, confirmed Monday. Ryder grew up in Austin and attended Texas Tech University in Lubbock, joining the Fall 2024 pledge class of the university’s Beta Theta Pi chapter. The fraternity paid tribute to him on social media, describing him as a beloved son, brother, and friend who brought light and laughter to those around him. The chapter scheduled a candlelight vigil for March 2, 2026.
Officials identified the shooter as 53-year-old Ndiaga Diagne, a naturalized U.S. citizen from Senegal. Austin Police Chief Lisa Davis said Diagne fired from outside the bar, initially shooting from a vehicle before exiting with a rifle. Officers confronted and fatally shot him at the scene. Investigators, including the FBI, are examining whether the attack had any ties to terrorism. An explosives team later searched his vehicle but found no bombs.
Ryder’s older brother, Reed Harrington, shared an emotional statement on social media, calling Ryder “the best mix” of their family and lamenting that his life ended at just 19. The tragedy also touched local officials: Dustin Burrows, Speaker of the Texas House, offered condolences, noting Ryder was the brother-in-law of one of his staff members.
A GoFundMe to support the Harrington family had raised more than $49,000 by mid-morning on March 2. Fourteen people were injured; hospital officials from St. David’s HealthCare said several victims were treated and released while others remained hospitalized in varying conditions. Among the wounded was 21-year-old University of Texas senior Karan Bhakta, who said a bullet grazed his scalp and was treated for minor injuries at Ascension Seton Medical Center.
Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances, the suspect’s background, and his motives, and have urged anyone with information to come forward.