Austin Police Identify Third Victim in Buford’s Mass Shooting
AUSTIN, Texas — Authorities have identified a third victim in the deadly mass shooting outside Buford’s Backyard Beer Garden on West Sixth Street, as the city continues to grapple with one of the most violent incidents in its downtown entertainment district in recent years.
On Monday, the Austin Police Department confirmed that 30-year-old Jorge Pederson was among those killed or fatally wounded in the early Sunday morning attack that left three people dead and at least 14 others injured.
Pederson had initially been reported as hospitalized in critical condition following the shooting. According to a coworker who spoke with local media and information cited in police updates, he was later taken off life support. His death brings the confirmed fatality count to three.
Victims Identified
Police previously identified the first two victims as 21-year-old University of Texas student Savitha Shan and 19-year-old Texas Tech University student Ryder Harrington. Both were among crowds gathered outside the busy downtown bar when gunfire erupted shortly after 2 a.m.
The shooting occurred near the intersection of West Sixth Street and Rio Grande Street, a densely populated nightlife corridor that was filled with patrons at the time of the attack.
Gunman Killed by Officers
Austin Police Chief Lisa Davis said responding officers confronted and shot the suspected gunman moments after the attack began. The suspect was identified as 53-year-old Ndiaga Diagne. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
Authorities say the rapid response likely prevented further casualties. The investigation remains active as detectives work to determine a motive and piece together the sequence of events leading up to the shooting.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation is assisting Austin police and is examining whether the attack may have been an act of terrorism. Officials emphasized that the investigation is ongoing and that no definitive motive has yet been announced.
Chaos in the Entertainment District
The shooting erupted just after 2 a.m., sending panic through the crowded entertainment district. Witnesses described hearing multiple rounds of gunfire and seeing people scramble for cover as confusion spread through the streets.
At least 17 people were struck or otherwise injured in the chaos. Fourteen victims were transported to local hospitals, and several remained in critical condition as of Monday, according to authorities. The names of the surviving injured have not been released.
Emergency crews worked quickly to secure the area and provide medical care, while officers shut down surrounding streets as part of the ongoing investigation.
City Leaders Respond
City leaders have pledged support for the victims’ families and vowed a comprehensive investigation into the gunman’s background and possible motivations. Officials also indicated that security protocols in the entertainment district may be reviewed in light of the attack.
“This was a tragic act of violence that has shaken our city,” Chief Davis said. “Our focus remains on supporting the victims and their families and ensuring a thorough and transparent investigation.”
As Austin mourns the loss of Jorge Pederson, Savitha Shan, and Ryder Harrington, the community continues to seek answers and healing in the aftermath of a weekend night that turned deadly in the heart of downtown.
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