A gunman identified by authorities as Ndiaga Diagne opened fire outside a popular bar in Austin, Texas early Sunday morning, killing two people and injuring 14 others in a mass shooting that has shaken the university district and prompted an ongoing investigation.
The attack unfolded at approximately 2 a.m., just as hundreds of patrons were leaving local establishments and heading home. According to preliminary reports, Diagne drove a large SUV around the block several times before stopping in front of Buford’s Backyard Beer Garden, a well-known nightlife spot near the University of Texas at Austin campus.
Witnesses told investigators that the suspect began firing from inside his vehicle, shooting out of the front window with a pistol and striking multiple people gathered on the bar’s front patio. Chaos erupted as bystanders scrambled for cover, with many initially mistaking the gunfire for fireworks before realizing the severity of the situation.
After firing from the vehicle, Diagne allegedly parked the SUV, exited the car, and continued shooting at individuals walking along the street. The rapid succession of gunshots sent crowds fleeing in all directions, overwhelming the area with panic and confusion. Emergency responders arrived within minutes, providing life-saving treatment to victims at the scene before transporting the injured to nearby hospitals.
Authorities confirmed that two people were pronounced dead. Fourteen others sustained injuries ranging from minor wounds to critical conditions. Officials have not yet publicly released the names of the victims pending notification of their families.
Investigators reported that a Quran was found inside the suspect’s vehicle. Diagne was also possibly wearing an undershirt featuring the Iranian flag or other Iranian symbols at the time of the attack, according to early law enforcement accounts. Authorities have not yet determined whether ideology or religious extremism played a role in the shooting, and they cautioned against speculation as the investigation remains active.
Buford’s Backyard Beer Garden, located near campus and frequented by students and local residents, is a central fixture of the area’s nightlife. The establishment sits just blocks from the heart of the university district, an area typically crowded during weekend evenings. Representatives for Buford’s Backyard Beer Garden said they are cooperating fully with investigators and expressed condolences to the victims and their families.
Diagne, 53, is a U.S. citizen originally from Senegal. He became a naturalized citizen in 2013 and later applied for asylum in 2016, according to available records. Officials have not clarified the circumstances surrounding his asylum application or whether it is connected in any way to the case.
Law enforcement officials are working to reconstruct the timeline of events, analyze surveillance footage, and interview witnesses to determine a possible motive. They are also reviewing the suspect’s background, travel history, and digital communications.
City leaders in Austin condemned the violence and emphasized their commitment to ensuring public safety. In a statement, local officials described the shooting as a “senseless act of violence” that has deeply affected the community, particularly given its proximity to the university campus and the large number of young people present at the time.
The incident has reignited discussions about gun violence and security in entertainment districts, especially during peak weekend hours when foot traffic is high. Authorities have increased patrols in the area as a precaution while the investigation continues.
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