Officials identify the two victims killed in Austin bar shooting
Officials Identify Two Victims in Austin Bar Shooting
Austin Police Chief Lisa Davis disclosed during a Monday press briefing that Ryder Harrington and Savitha Shan were the victims of a fatal shooting at a downtown bar early Sunday. The incident, which also left 14 others wounded, occurred near Buford’s, a well-known beer garden in the city’s core. Davis noted the firearms used in the attack were legally purchased in San Antonio in 2017.
The suspect, 53-year-old Ndiaga Diagne, was shot dead by officers shortly after the shooting. Diagne, a Senegalese national and U.S. citizen, resided in Pflugerville, Texas. Law enforcement sources highlighted his mental health history but stated he was not previously flagged as a threat to either the police department or the FBI. His attire at the time included a sweatshirt reading “Property of Allah” and an Iranian-themed shirt, according to officials.
Authorities are still assessing the motive behind the attack, considering potential links to terrorism. Among the injured, three were hospitalized in critical condition. Robert Luckritz, head of the county’s emergency medical services, confirmed this on Sunday. Davis later announced that one of those patients would be removed from life support that same day.
“Ryder was the best mix of all the Harrington crew,” his brother Reed Harrington wrote on Facebook, reflecting on his sibling’s impact. “It is unfair, to say the least, that my little brother was only given 19 years on this earth. Watching the man he had become, and seeing all the lives he touched, leaves me certain that this world was robbed of a great future.”
Ryder’s family expressed profound grief through social media. His sister Reagan Harrington called him “my best friend” in an Instagram tribute, expressing disbelief at his loss. “Nothing would be enough to express how special you are to me,” she wrote. “I’m not sure how we’re meant to work through this — all I can think about is seeing you again.”
Reed also shared his emotional response: “I don’t think life will ever feel normal again. I have no idea what I’m supposed to do, but I know you will always be there to guide me and be my mentor.” A fourth sibling, Ryan Harrington, added, “I’m gonna miss my brother.”
The Beta Theta Pi fraternity, Ryder’s chapter, confirmed his death and highlighted his contributions. “From the moment he joined our brotherhood, he brought a light that was impossible to ignore,” the post stated. “Ryder had a rare ability to truly enjoy life, make people laugh, and turn ordinary days into unforgettable moments.” The chapter is hosting a candlelight vigil on Monday at 8 p.m. and has launched a GoFundMe campaign to aid his family.
State House Speaker Dustin Burrows shared his condolences on X, noting Ryder was the brother-in-law of a team member. “From all accounts, Ryder was exactly the kind of young man who made a difference without even trying — full of life, loyal to his friends, and proud to represent Texas as a Red Raider,” Burrows wrote. He prayed for the Harrington family and “everyone who loved Ryder — the number appears to be countless.”
Homeland Security sources revealed Diagne entered the U.S. on a B-2 tourist visa on March 13, 2000, and later became a lawful permanent resident through marriage to a U.S. citizen. Investigators emphasized the case is still in its early stages, with no confirmed ties to the state or broader extremist networks.
