Austin mass shooting leaves 18 injured, FBI investigating motive

Police release new details on the deadly incident that killed 4, including the shooter

Published on Mar. 5, 2026

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Police in Austin, Texas have provided an updated account of the mass shooting that occurred on Sunday, March 5th. The total number of people injured has now reached 18, up from the initial reports. Two victims, Savitha Shan (21) and Ryder Harrington (19), were pronounced dead shortly after the shooting, while a third victim, Jorge Pederson (30), died at the hospital on Monday. The shooter, who obtained the firearms legally, opened fire with a semi-automatic pistol and an AR-15-style rifle before being shot and killed by police. The FBI is investigating whether there is any connection to terrorism, but a motive has not yet been determined.

Why it matters

This mass shooting in a popular entertainment district of Austin has shaken the community and raised concerns about public safety and gun violence. The increase in the number of victims highlights the scale and severity of the incident. The FBI's investigation into a potential terrorism connection adds an additional layer of complexity and concern.

The details

According to police, the shooter drove a black Cadillac SUV and began firing a semi-automatic pistol at people outside Buford's bar on West Sixth Street. He then stopped near West Sixth and Wood streets and started shooting an AR-15-style rifle at a pedestrian before walking toward Buford's. Officers arrived on the scene within 57 seconds of the first 911 call and immediately tended to victims. At 2:03 a.m., officers located the shooter, who fired at them, and they shot and killed him. The guns used in the shooting were obtained legally.

  • The shooting occurred on Sunday, March 5, 2026.
  • Two victims, Savitha Shan (21) and Ryder Harrington (19), were pronounced dead shortly after the shooting.
  • A third victim, Jorge Pederson (30), died at the hospital on Monday, March 6, 2026.

The players

Lisa Davis

Austin Police Chief

Alex Doran

FBI Acting Special Agent-in-Charge

Savitha Shan

21-year-old victim who was pronounced dead shortly after the shooting

Ryder Harrington

19-year-old victim who was pronounced dead shortly after the shooting

Jorge Pederson

30-year-old victim who died at the hospital on Monday

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

What’s next

The FBI is continuing its investigation into whether the shooting has any connection to terrorism, and police are asking anyone with video or photographic evidence to submit it to the department.

The takeaway

This mass shooting has left the Austin community shaken and raised urgent questions about public safety, gun violence, and the potential role of terrorism. As the investigation continues, the focus will be on understanding the shooter's motive and determining what steps can be taken to prevent such tragedies in the future.