Austin Bar Shooting Death Toll Rises to Three as FBI Investigates Terror Link
US authorities have identified Jorge Pederson, 30, as the third victim to die following a mass shooting outside a bar in Austin, Texas. The incident occurred on West 6th Street, a popular entertainment district, where a gunman opened fire, resulting in multiple casualties and widespread panic.
Victims and Tributes
The other two victims have been named as Savitha Shan, 21, and Ryder Harrington, 19, both university students. Harrington was a member of the Beta Theta Pi fraternity at Texas Tech University, described by the fraternity as someone who "embodied what it meant to live fully and love deeply." His brother, Reed Harrington, paid tribute on Facebook, expressing grief over the loss of his younger sibling.
Shan was a dual-degree student at the University of Texas at Austin, majoring in management information systems and economics. University president Jim Davis called her death "devastating" and noted that several other students were wounded in the attack, with some in serious condition.
Investigation and Motive
The gunman, identified as 53-year-old Ndiaga Diagne, was fatally shot by police at the scene. Diagne, a lawful permanent resident from Senegal who entered the US in 2000, legally purchased the rifle and pistol used in the attack several years ago in San Antonio. Authorities are investigating the shooting as a potential act of terrorism, with the FBI examining possible links to global political events, including recent US and Israeli strikes against Iran.
Law enforcement officials revealed that Diagne was wearing clothing with an Iranian flag design and the words "Property of Allah." He had not been previously on the radar of authorities. Austin Police chief Lisa Davis stated that investigators are reviewing thousands of hours of video and interviewing over 150 witnesses, emphasizing that "we are still in the early hours of this investigation."
Incident Details
The shooting unfolded when Diagne drove past Buford's Backyard Beer Garden, circled back, and fired a pistol from his SUV at people on the footpath and inside the bar. He then exited the vehicle and continued shooting with a rifle. More than a dozen individuals were wounded, with three initially in critical condition; one victim was later taken off life support, according to reports.
The Department of Homeland Security confirmed Diagne's immigration status, noting he became a permanent resident after marrying an American. The community and officials are urging patience as the investigation continues, with the FBI's acting agent in charge, Alex Doran, stating that determining the motive remains the primary goal.
