Indian American Among Two Killed in Texas Shooting
A tragic mass shooting erupted early Sunday morning in Austin, Texas, claiming three lives—including that of a promising Indian-American university student—and leaving more than a dozen others wounded, as authorities probe potential ideological motives.
The incident unfolded on vibrant Sixth Street, a popular nightlife district near the University of Texas campus, when 53-year-old Ndiaga Diagne opened fire outside Buford’s Backyard Beer Garden shortly before 2 a.m. Patrons, many of them college students, scrambled for safety amid the chaos. Diagne, armed with a rifle and pistol, was fatally shot by responding police officers, ending the rampage.
Among the victims was 21-year-old Savitha Shan, an Indian-American studying management information systems and economics at the University of Texas. She was set to graduate in May. An assistant professor at the McCombs School of Business, Russ Finney, mourned her loss on X, calling her a “superstar student” active in campus organizations and a “light in the classroom.”
The other deceased victims were identified as 19-year-old Ryder Harrington and 30-year-old Jorge Pederson, with some reports noting one death occurred later from injuries.
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Law enforcement officials have not yet determined a motive, stressing that the investigation remains in its early stages. However, news agency AP, citing a law enforcement official, reported that Diagne was wearing clothing featuring an Iranian flag design and the phrase “Property of Allah” during the attack. Other sources indicate he had an Iranian flag and images of Iranian leaders in his residence, along with a Quran in his vehicle—details that have prompted scrutiny for any possible terrorism nexus.
The FBI is assisting Austin police in the probe. Authorities have described these elements as potential “indicators,” though no definitive link has been established.
Diagne, originally from Senegal, entered the United States in 2000 on a tourist visa and obtained lawful permanent residency after marrying an American citizen. He later became a naturalized U.S. citizen. University officials confirmed the firearms he used were legally purchased years earlier in San Antonio.
This senseless act of violence has shaken the community, particularly as it targeted a lively student gathering spot. Investigations continue to uncover what drove the assailant to unleash such devastation.