Updated March 2, 2026 — CBS News
CBS News obtained a photo showing the Austin attacker, identified as Ndiaga Diagne, wearing a T‑shirt with a design similar to the Iranian flag beneath a hoodie reading “Property of Allah.” Diagne was killed by police after opening fire early Sunday, authorities said.
Police say the gunman fatally wounded three people and injured 13 others. Two victims died at the scene; a third died Monday. Authorities identified the deceased as 19‑year‑old Ryder Harrington, 21‑year‑old Savitha Shan and 30‑year‑old Jorge Pederson.
Investigators say Diagne, who was born in Senegal, entered the U.S. in 2000 on a tourist visa, obtained a green card in 2006 after marrying a U.S. citizen and became a U.S. citizen in 2013. He had at least one prior arrest in Texas in 2022 related to a vehicle collision. Sources familiar with the probe said Diagne had a history of mental‑health issues; Austin Police Chief Lisa Davis said he had not previously been identified as a potential threat.
Federal and local investigators are exploring a possible terrorism link. A law enforcement official briefed on the investigation told CBS News Diagne appears to have been at least partly motivated by the recent U.S. attack on Iran. Authorities say he seems to have acted alone so far, but they are reviewing his digital activity and contacts to determine whether anyone in the U.S. or abroad influenced him.
Officers executing a search warrant at Diagne’s home reportedly found an Iranian flag and photographs of Iranian leaders. Sources also told CBS News a Quran was recovered from the gunman’s vehicle.
The shooting began shortly after 1:30 a.m. local time Sunday outside Buford’s, a bar in Austin’s Sixth Street entertainment district. Officials say Diagne drove an SUV around the block and fired from an open window at patrons seated outdoors. He then exited the vehicle and continued shooting while walking along the street.
Witnesses described chaotic scenes as people ran for cover. Local resident Kelson Li told CBS News one victim was a coworker who had moved to Austin two weeks earlier and said the community feels shaken. Video obtained by CBS News shows law enforcement officers moving away from the area as bystanders shelter; a witness said the gunman fired at police before officers returned fire.
Police said multiple weapons were found in the SUV. The investigation is ongoing as authorities continue to piece together Diagne’s motives and whether he had any assistance or outside direction.