Gunman kills 3 in downtown Austin shooting

Police body camera footage shows terrifying moments as patrons flee and officers respond to the attack

Published on Mar. 6, 2026

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Newly released police body camera footage shows bargoers and pedestrians fleeing and ducking for cover in the moments after a gunman began firing outside a Texas bar, leaving three dead in what is being investigated as potential terrorism. The shooting unfolded quickly early Sunday in downtown Austin's entertainment district, with officers arriving within 56 seconds of the first 911 call and shooting and killing the suspect after he fired at police.

Why it matters

The shooting in Austin's popular nightlife district has raised concerns about public safety and security in the area, as well as questions about the gunman's potential motives and whether the attack should be classified as an act of terrorism.

The details

The gunman, identified as 53-year-old Ndiaga Diagne, legally purchased the pistol and rifle he used in the attack outside Buford's Backyard Beer Garden. Authorities say 19 people were hit by gunfire, including the three who died. Most of those shot were outside the bar, including one victim who was waiting for a ride. Diagne was not on the radar of authorities before the shooting, but investigators found he was the subject of a mental health-related welfare check, possibly in 2022, by an agency elsewhere.

  • The shooting occurred early Sunday morning in downtown Austin's entertainment district.
  • Police arrived on the scene within 56 seconds of the first 911 call.
  • The gunman, Ndiaga Diagne, was shot and killed by officers after he fired at them.

The players

Lisa Davis

Austin Police Chief

Ndiaga Diagne

The 53-year-old gunman who opened fire outside the bar, killing three people and wounding 16 others.

Jorge Pederson

A 30-year-old aspiring mixed martial arts fighter who died from his gunshot wounds on Monday.

Savitha Shan

A 21-year-old business student at the University of Texas at Austin who was killed in the shooting.

Ryder Harrington

A 19-year-old who had attended Texas Tech University through last fall and was killed in the attack.

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What’s next

The FBI is investigating the shooting as a potential act of terrorism, and authorities are working to determine the gunman's motive.

The takeaway

This tragic shooting has shaken the Austin community and raised urgent questions about public safety, security measures, and the need for better understanding and addressing mental health issues that may contribute to such acts of violence.