A mass shooting struck Austin, Texas, on February 28, 2026, outside Buford’s Backyard Beer Garden on West 6th Street, killing three people (including suspect Ndiaga Diagne) and injuring 14 others. The FBI is probing it as a potential act of terrorism linked to Islamist extremism indicators.
Incident Timeline
Around 1:58 a.m., Diagne, a 53-year-old Senegalese-born naturalized U.S. citizen, circled the block in an SUV before firing a pistol out the window at bar patrons. He parked on Wood Street, exited with a rifle, and shot at pedestrians on Sixth Street until Austin PD officers confronted and killed him within a minute.
Suspect Profile
Diagne wore a “Property of Allah” sweatshirt and an Iranian flag shirt; a Quran was found in his vehicle, per law enforcement sources. He had Bronx ties and prior mental health history. from prior
Motive Indicators
The FBI identified terrorism “indicators” from Diagne and his vehicle, with timing tied to recent U.S.-Israel strikes killing Iran’s Supreme Leader Khamenei. from prior Rep. Chip Roy cited sources confirming Islamist attire and artifacts; no group claimed responsibility, but digital forensics are ongoing.
Response and Casualties
EMS arrived in 57 seconds, treating 17 victims—three dead on scene (identities pending), 14 hospitalized (three critical). Gov. Abbott activated Operation Fury Shield for heightened patrols; APD Chief Lisa Davis and Mayor Kirk Watson credited rapid response with saving lives.
Investigation Update
As of March 1, 2026, federal teams including FBI forensics are assisting APD; a Pflugerville home linked to Diagne was searched. Families can reach APD Victim Services at 512-974-5037.
