North Dakota State Grad Killed in Austin Shooting

Three dead, over a dozen injured in weekend attack

Published on Mar. 4, 2026

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A North Dakota State University graduate named Jorge Pederson was identified as one of three people killed in a shooting in Austin, Texas over the weekend. Pederson was a mixed martial arts fighter who had recently moved to the area. The shooting injured more than a dozen others and made national headlines after photos emerged of the gunman wearing a shirt that read 'Property of Allah'.

Why it matters

The shooting in Austin comes amid heightened tensions following a recent U.S. military strike on Iran that killed top members of the Iranian government. While the motives behind the attack are still under investigation, the incident has raised concerns about public safety and security in the region.

The details

The shooting occurred on Sunday and left three people dead, including Jorge Pederson, a North Dakota State University graduate who had recently moved to Texas to pursue a career in mixed martial arts. More than a dozen others were injured in the attack. Photos of the suspected gunman wearing a shirt that read 'Property of Allah' have sparked speculation about the potential motivations behind the shooting.

  • The shooting took place on Sunday, March 2, 2026.
  • It occurred less than 24 hours after a U.S. military strike on Iran that killed many top members of the Iranian government.

The players

Jorge Pederson

A North Dakota State University graduate and mixed martial arts fighter who was killed in the Austin shooting.

The Gunman

The suspected shooter, who was photographed wearing a shirt that read 'Property of Allah'.

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What they’re saying

“This is a tragic loss for our community. Jorge was a talented athlete and a kind-hearted person who will be deeply missed.”

— Sarah Johnson, North Dakota State University Alumni Association (dakotanewsnetwork.com)

What’s next

Authorities are continuing to investigate the motives behind the shooting and are working to identify the gunman and any potential accomplices.

The takeaway

The shooting in Austin has raised concerns about public safety and security in the region, particularly in the wake of heightened tensions following the recent U.S. military strike on Iran. The incident serves as a sobering reminder of the need for vigilance and community-based solutions to address gun violence and extremism.