Police have identified the two individuals killed in a mass shooting in Downtown Austin, but authorities say it is too early to determine the motive behind the attack. The incident occurred on West Sixth Street, where a gunman opened fire, killing two people and injuring more than a dozen others. The victims, 19-year-old Ryder Harrington and 21-year-old Savitha Shan, were confirmed by University of Texas President Jim Davis, who noted that Shan was a student at the university. Three patients remain in critical condition, and one person is expected to be taken off life support, according to Austin Police Chief Lisa Davis. A total of 14 individuals were transported to nearby hospitals, with at least four already released. Investigators are in the early stages of a complex case involving a large crime scene and extensive physical and digital evidence. Authorities are reviewing information from approximately 150 witnesses to piece together the events leading up to the shooting. Davis also mentioned that the investigation into an officer-involved shooting related to the incident will result in additional updates later this week, including the release of body camera footage on Thursday. FBI Acting Special Agent in Charge Alex Doran stated that federal investigators are examining the suspect’s criminal history and background, details that will be included in the upcoming update. Doran also noted that the FBI is investigating potential ideological or international links to the attack, including items associated with the suspect, such as clothing referencing Iran. The firearms used in the shooting were obtained legally, according to Davis. Both Doran and Davis emphasized that the suspect had not been previously identified as a potential threat.#austin #jim_davis #university_of_texas #west_sixth_street #lisas_davis
Ryder Harrington, 19, and Savitha Shan, 21, were killed in a shooting in Austin, according to Austin Police Chief Lisa Davis, who spoke at a news conference on Monday. Initially, police provided conflicting information about the victims’ ages. A third person, 30-year-old Jorge Pederson, also died as a result of the shooting, the police department stated after initially reporting that one injured person was expected to be taken off life support. The motive for the attack remains under investigation, with law enforcement officials suggesting the suspect may have been influenced by recent US and Israeli strikes on Iran. The suspect, identified as 53-year-old Ndiaga Diagne, was fatally shot by police during the incident. Diagne had not previously been on the radar of Austin police or the FBI, according to officials. He was wearing a shirt with an Iranian flag design and a hoodie printed with “Property of Allah,” as reported by a law enforcement official. Authorities are examining a large volume of digital and physical evidence, and officials emphasized that they do not want to speculate on the motive at this stage. Law enforcement officers arrived at a home connected to Diagne in Pflugerville, a suburb of Austin, where they collected items and examined a car in the driveway. Investigators are looking into whether Diagne had accessed any propaganda or left writings that might indicate his intentions. The incident occurred along Sixth Street, known for its concentration of bars and live music venues, near the University of Texas at Austin. Authorities received a call about a man shooting from a large SUV outside Buford’s Backyard Beer Garden. The suspect, using a pistol, began shooting at patrons on the patio and in front of the bar.#ryder_harrington #savitha_shan #jorge_pederson #austin_police #jim_davis
