Suspect Identified in Deadly Austin Bar Shooting

Probe into potential terrorism links continues as authorities release details on the gunman.

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

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Investigators have identified the suspect in a deadly shooting outside an Austin bar that left 2 people dead and 14 injured. The 53-year-old suspect, Ndiaga Diagne, is a naturalized U.S. citizen originally from Senegal who had lived in the U.S. for 15 years. The FBI has joined the investigation through its Joint Terrorism Task Force, as authorities examine whether the gunman may have self-radicalized or had prior mental health issues.

Why it matters

This tragic incident in downtown Austin has raised concerns about public safety and security, particularly in crowded entertainment districts. The potential terrorism links are also concerning and could have broader implications for how law enforcement responds to such threats in the future.

The details

According to police, the suspect drove an SUV around the block several times before stopping, activating his hazard lights, and opening fire on the patio and sidewalk of Buford's beer garden. He later exited the vehicle with a rifle and continued shooting along West Sixth Street before being fatally shot by officers. Authorities recovered a pistol, rifle, and additional weapons from the suspect's vehicle.

  • The shooting occurred just before 2 a.m. on Sunday, March 2, 2026.
  • The suspect became a U.S. citizen in 2013 after arriving in the country in 2006.

The players

Ndiaga Diagne

A 53-year-old naturalized U.S. citizen originally from Senegal who had lived in the United States for roughly 15 years.

Lisa Davis

The Austin Police Department Chief.

Robert Luckritz

The Austin-Travis County EMS Chief.

Alex Doran

The FBI's Acting Special Agent.

Greg Abbott

The Governor of Texas.

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What they’re saying

“Texas mourns with the families and loved ones of those who were horrifically killed in last night's attack in Austin. Cecilia and I pray for them, and we pray for the swift recovery of those who were injured.”

— Greg Abbott, Governor of Texas (kpua.net)

“This act of violence will not define us, nor will it shake the resolve of Texans. 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.”

— Greg Abbott, Governor of Texas (kpua.net)

What’s next

The FBI's Joint Terrorism Task Force will continue investigating the suspect's potential ties to terrorism, while also examining his mental health history and online activity. Texas authorities have increased security measures statewide in response to the attack.

The takeaway

This tragic shooting in downtown Austin has raised serious concerns about public safety and the potential threat of terrorism, even in the heart of a major Texas city. The investigation will likely focus on understanding the suspect's motivations and whether he acted alone or was connected to any broader extremist networks.