Texas Tech and UT Austin Students
A mass shooting on West Sixth Street in downtown Austin, Texas early on Sunday morning left two college students dead and more than a dozen others wounded, devastating families, friends and the broader university communities. “A shooting on West Sixth Street brought carnage to one of the Austin’s liveliest bar districts early Sunday morning, resulting in three deaths and injuries to 14 other people. Some of the injured remain in critical condition,” according to KUT News.
The shooting occurred at Buford’s Bar and Backyard Beer Garden, a popular nightlife spot near the intersection of West Sixth and Rio Grande streets, around 1:59 a.m. on March 1, 2026.
According to authorities, the gunman opened fire at patrons outside the bar, striking people in the crowded entertainment area before being shot and killed by police officers who arrived within minutes of the first 911 call.
Identified Victims
On Monday, law enforcement officials confirmed the identities of the two people who were killed in the attack: 19-year-old Ryder Harrington, a student at Texas Tech University, and 24-year-old Savitha Shan, a student at UT Austin. “The two people killed were identified by the authorities as Savitha Shan and Ryder Harrington. A third victim is expected to be taken off life support, Chief Davis said,” according to The New York Times.
Savitha Shan, identified as Savitha Shanmugasundaram by UT officials, was a graduate of LASA High School in Austin and was pursuing a dual degree in economics and management information systems at UT’s McCombs School of Business. Friends and faculty described her as dedicated, engaged and deeply connected to both her academic and social communities.
Injuries
In addition to the two fatalities, 14 other people were injured in the shooting. Some remain in critical condition, while others have been treated and released from local hospitals. Many of the injured are also college-age, reflecting how the attack targeted a crowd made up largely of young adults and students enjoying a weekend night out.
Courtesy of ann harkness (Flickr CC0)University officials from both Texas Tech and UT Austin have expressed their profound sorrow and offered support services to students, staff and families struggling in the wake of the tragedy.
The Gunman
Austin Police Chief Lisa Davis said in a news conference that the suspect, identified as 53-year-old Ndiaga Diagne, fired multiple shots from an SUV before officers stationed nearby engaged and fatally shot him. He never entered the bar itself but fired at people outside and along the busy entertainment corridor, according to police.
The quick response that law enforcement carried out was credited with preventing a much larger loss of life because of this terrible incident. Officers were able to return fire and were able to neutralize the threat within minutes of the first shots that were reported.
Community Reaction
The news of the college student victims drew immediate tributes from university leaders, classmates and local officials. UT Austin President Jim Davis expressed deep sorrow for Shan and all those affected, offering prayers and support to grieving families, friends, professors and classmates. He also highlighted the emotional impact on the Longhorn community and underscored the availability of crisis support resources for students.
Similarly, Texas Tech community members mourned Harrington, describing him as “robbed of a great future” and sharing memories of his achievements and personal qualities on social media. A GoFundMe organized for his family garnered support from students, alumni and supporters across the state.
Mayor Kirk Watson and other city officials also addressed the media, pledging to support those affected and to work with law enforcement and community groups to help in the healing process.
Investigations
The FBI Joint Terrorism Task Force has joined the investigation, examining evidence from the scene and searching for possible motives behind the attack. Authorities have refrained from drawing definitive conclusions about why the gunman targeted the area, saying that the investigation is still in its early stages.
Looking Ahead
As the names and stories of victims like Harrington and Shan emerge, universities and communities are focusing on remembrance, support and healing. Memorials of flowers and candles have appeared near the site of the shooting, where friends and strangers alike honor lives cut tragically short.
Both Texas Tech and UT Austin continue to offer counseling, resources and community support, emphasizing that while the pain is deep, students and families do not have to face it alone. In the weeks and months ahead, efforts to prevent future tragedies and to address the roots of gun violence are expected to intensify as Austin and the nation reflect on another community forever changed by senseless violence.
By David Loran Jr
A successful Editor-in-Chief, journalist for over 6 years, writing about important topics that are going on within the world and beyond.
Sources:
The New York Times: Investigators Examine Iran War as Possible Motive in Austin Shooting
KUT News: Texas Tech and UT Austin students identified as victims in West Sixth shooting
Featured Image Courtesy of Jason Lawrence’s Flickr Page – Creative Commons License
Inset Image Courtesy of ann harkness’ Flickr Page – Creative Commons License
