Austin Mass Shooting Leaves Three Dead, 14 Injured, Possible Terrorism Link
On Sunday, March 1, 2026, a mass shooting occurred early in the morning near West Sixth Street and Nueces in downtown Austin, Texas, specifically targeting Buford's bar. The incident resulted in the deaths of three individuals, including the shooter, and left 14 people injured.
Suspect and Investigation
Austin police identified the suspect as Ndiaga Diagne, a 53-year-old U.S. citizen originally from Senegal. Diagne was killed after being confronted by police following the rampage.
The scene on West Sixth Street remained blocked off by police tape as federal and local officials, including FBI agents and the FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force, conducted an investigation. A search warrant was executed at a residence in Pflugerville in connection with the shooting.
Preliminary evidence, including items found on the shooter and in his vehicle, such as clothing stating “Property of Allah” and a design of an Iranian flag, indicated a "potential nexus to terrorism," according to FBI official Alex Doran.
Sequence of Events
Police Chief Lisa Davis detailed the sequence of events. The shooter drove a large SUV around the block multiple times before stopping, rolling down a window, and firing a pistol at patrons on Buford’s patio and in front of the bar.
He then drove westbound, parked on Wood Street, and proceeded east on Sixth Street with an assault rifle, continuing to shoot at pedestrians. Officers confronted him at an intersection, where he was fatally shot.
Precautions were taken around the suspect’s vehicle due to concerns about items inside, prompting a bomb squad response, but no bomb was found. Police attributed their prompt response to their presence on East Sixth Street, with the first call received at 1:58 a.m.
Casualties and Medical Response
Three victims were pronounced dead at the scene. Of the 14 individuals transported to hospitals, three were initially in critical condition. Other victims were treated and released or were in good condition. Medical care was on site within 57 seconds.
Karan Bhatka, a 21-year-old University of Texas student, was grazed in the scalp and treated at Dell-Seton Medical Center. He described his experience and expressed his belief in gun control legislation. University of Texas President Jim Davis acknowledged that members of the “Longhorn family” were impacted by the shooting and thanked first responders and support staff.
Official and Community Reactions
Mayor Kirk Watson commended first responders for their swift actions, stating it likely saved lives.
The Texas Chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-Texas) issued a statement condemning the shooting and rejecting any collective blame based on the actions of individuals.
U.S. Representatives Greg Casar and Lloyd Doggett, along with several Texas House Democrats, issued statements lamenting gun violence and calling for legislative action. City Council members, Mayor Pro Tem, and the Travis County District Attorney also offered condolences and gratitude to first responders. Eyewitness accounts described hearing gunshots, seeing people fleeing, and encountering injured individuals.
Public Information
Austin Police Department’s Victim Services Unit can be reached at 512-974-5037 for those searching for family members or friends. Investigators encouraged anyone with photos, videos, or other information related to the incident to submit it.