- Today
- Holidays
- Birthdays
- Reminders
- Cities
- Atlanta
- Austin
- Baltimore
- Berwyn
- Beverly Hills
- Birmingham
- Boston
- Brooklyn
- Buffalo
- Charlotte
- Chicago
- Cincinnati
- Cleveland
- Columbus
- Dallas
- Denver
- Detroit
- Fort Worth
- Houston
- Indianapolis
- Knoxville
- Las Vegas
- Los Angeles
- Louisville
- Madison
- Memphis
- Miami
- Milwaukee
- Minneapolis
- Nashville
- New Orleans
- New York
- Omaha
- Orlando
- Philadelphia
- Phoenix
- Pittsburgh
- Portland
- Raleigh
- Richmond
- Rutherford
- Sacramento
- Salt Lake City
- San Antonio
- San Diego
- San Francisco
- San Jose
- Seattle
- Tampa
- Tucson
- Washington
Former MSUM Wrestler Killed in Texas Mass Shooting
Jorge Munoz-Pederson, 30, was about to make his professional MMA debut when he was fatally shot in Austin.
Published on Mar. 4, 2026
Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›
Jorge Munoz-Pederson, a 30-year-old former wrestler at Minnesota State University Moorhead (MSUM) and aspiring MMA fighter, was killed over the weekend in a mass shooting at a bar in Austin, Texas. Munoz-Pederson was a valued member of the MSUM wrestling team and known for his positive energy and quick wit, according to his friend. A total of three people died in the shooting, and more than a dozen were injured.
Why it matters
This tragic incident highlights the ongoing problem of gun violence in the United States, particularly in public spaces like bars and nightclubs. It also underscores the loss of a promising young athlete and MMA fighter whose life was cut short.
The details
According to reports, Munoz-Pederson was at a bar in downtown Austin on Sunday when a gunman, identified as 53-year-old Ndiaga Diagne, opened fire. Munoz-Pederson was among the three people killed in the shooting, and more than a dozen others were injured, some critically. The alleged shooter, Diagne, was shot and killed by police at the scene.
- The shooting occurred on Sunday in downtown Austin.
- Munoz-Pederson was a wrestler at MSUM during the 2013-14 season.
- Munoz-Pederson was about to make his professional MMA debut.
The players
Jorge Munoz-Pederson
A 30-year-old former wrestler at Minnesota State University Moorhead (MSUM) and aspiring MMA fighter who was killed in the mass shooting in Austin, Texas.
Ndiaga Diagne
The 53-year-old alleged shooter who opened fire at the bar in Austin, killing three people, including Munoz-Pederson, before being shot and killed by police.
Kris Nelson
The head wrestling coach at MSUM, who said Munoz-Pederson was a valued member of the Dragon Wrestling family.
Tyler Jensen
A high school friend of Munoz-Pederson who also attended college with him, describing him as a "very genuine guy" with a "positive energy" and "quick wit."
What they’re saying
“Just a very genuine guy. He was extremely happy-go-lucky, very nice guy, quick-witted, extremely humorous, one of the most humorous guys I've ever met.”
— Tyler Jensen, High school and college friend of Jorge Munoz-Pederson (inforum.com)
“Munoz-Pederson was a valued member of the Dragon Wrestling family.”
— Kris Nelson, MSUM Head Wrestling Coach (WDAY News)
What’s next
Authorities are continuing to investigate the shooting and the motive behind the attack. Munoz-Pederson's family has set up a fundraiser to help cover his funeral expenses.
The takeaway
This tragic incident serves as a sobering reminder of the devastating impact of gun violence and the need for continued efforts to address this public health crisis. The loss of a promising young athlete like Jorge Munoz-Pederson underscores the human toll of these senseless acts of violence.
