A chaotic night in Austin’s premier entertainment district ended in tragedy early Sunday morning when a gunman opened fire on crowds outside Buford’s on West 6th Street, leaving three people dead and 14 others injured. The shooter, identified as Ndiaga Diagne, a naturalized U.S. citizen originally from Senegal, was shot and killed by police officers at the scene.
The violence began just before 2:00 a.m. as bars were preparing to close. Austin Police Department (APD) officials report that the suspect initially circled the block in a large SUV several times. After activating his hazard lights and lowering a window, he used a pistol to fire into the crowd on the Buford’s patio and on the sidewalk.
Following the initial drive-by, the suspect drove westbound, parked on Wood Street, and exited the vehicle armed with a rifle. Police say he began shooting at pedestrians while walking back toward the center of the entertainment district.
APD officers already patrolling nearby responded within seconds, encountering the gunman at an intersection where three officers returned fire, killing him.
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Emergency response was immediate. Austin-Travis County EMS Chief Robert Luckritz confirmed that paramedics were on the scene within 57 seconds of the 1:59 a.m. dispatch.
Of the 17 patients treated, three died at the scene, while 14 were rushed to hospitals, including three in critical condition. Luckritz noted that 20 EMS resources were deployed, and all critical patients were cleared from the scene within 24 minutes.
The FBI has joined the investigation, working “in lock step” with local police.
Alex Doran, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s San Antonio office, stated that digital forensics and evidence response teams are processing the scene. While a specific motive has not been determined, the FBI indicated that evidence from the suspect’s vehicle suggests a “potential nexus to terrorism.”
Representative Chip Roy shared additional details via social media, stating he had learned “very troubling facts” from officials. Roy claimed sources informed him the suspect was wearing a shirt that read “Property of Allah” and that a Quran was found inside the SUV. Roy added that Diagne had been naturalized as a citizen about a decade ago.
Texas Governor Greg Abbott has since ordered the Department of Public Safety to increase patrols in downtown Austin. In a public statement, Abbott linked the violence to broader geopolitical tensions.
“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,” the governor said.
Austin Police Chief Lisa Davis praised the bravery of the officers who ran toward the gunfire. “They definitely saved lives,” Austin Mayor Kirk Watson added, echoing the sentiment.
As the investigation continues, authorities have kept West 6th Street closed for evidence processing.
The Travis County District Attorney’s Office is also involved in the probe. Family members looking for information regarding loved ones are encouraged to contact the APD Victim Services Unit at 512-974-5037.
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