‘OUR BROTHER’
Tragic first Austin mass shooting victim identified as Texas student amid terror investigation into savage attack
TWO victims killed in the mass shooting at a bar in Austin, Texas, on Sunday have been identified.
Ryder Harrington, a Texas Tech University student, was one of the two people killed after a gunman opened fire outside of Buford’s Backyard Beer Garden.
Ryder Harrington, a Texas college student, was identified as one of the victims killed in a mass shooting on SundayCredit: GoFundMe
Savitha Shan, another university student, was also killedCredit: Instagram/texasfbla
Three people were killed in the bar shooting, including the gunmanCredit: Reuters
The deadly mass shooting outside Buford’s, a roadhouse-style bar in Austin, TexasCredit: Reuters
Harrington was identified as one of the victims in a GoFundMe created to support his family.
Another student Savitha Shan, 21, was named by a friend, according to NPR affiliate KUT.
‘Beloved son, brother, and friend’
“It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our brother, Ryder Harrington, a member of the Fall 2024 Pledge Class,” the GoFundMe read.
The fundraiser said Harrington was a “beloved son, brother, and friend whose kindness and presence touched countless lives.”
“Ryder had a rare ability to truly enjoy life to make people laugh, to make moments feel bigger, and to make ordinary days unforgettable. If anyone embodied what it meant to live fully and love deeply, it was Ryder.”
As of Monday morning, the GoFundMe had raised over $41,000, nearing its goal of $50,000.
Speaker of the Texas House Dustin Burrows said on X Sunday night that Harrington’s death has “hit especially close to home for our Team Burrows family.”
“Ryder was the brother-in-law of one of our own, and our hearts are aching alongside his loved ones,” Burrows wrote.
“Elisabeth and I are praying for Avery and Ryan, the entire Harrington family, and everyone who loved Ryder—the number appears to be countless.
“We ask that you lift them up as well.”
Texas Tech’s fraternity Beta Theta Pi said it would be holding a candle vigil at 8:00pm Monday for Harrington.
Shan’s death was announced by University of Texas Austin President Jim DavisCredit: Facebook
‘Loyal friend to many’
Shan was a student at the University of Texas Austin who was studying economics and business administration, according to her LinkedIn page.
Her death was confirmed by UT President Jim Davis who sent an email to students mourning her loss.
“Today, it was confirmed that among those who lost their lives is one UT student,” he wrote.
“A child of loving parents. A loyal friend to many. A Longhorn preparing to change the world.
“It is devastating, and I know all of us are grieved by this horrible news and we will remember her.”
Two dead, 14 injured in bar shooting
Gunfire broke out at Buford’s in Texas around 2:00a.m. local time Sunday.
Three people were killed, including the gunman, who has since been identified as 53-year-old Ndiaga Diagne.
Fourteen were injured during the shooting, with three in critical condition, according to Austin-Travis County EMS Chief Robert Luckritz.
Austin Police Chief Lisa Davis said Diagne, who was killed by police, did not enter the bar and instead fired at patrons from the street with a rifle and handgun.
Beta Theta Pi, a fraternity, said it would hold a candle vigil for Ryder HarringtonCredit: Instagram
Ndiaga Diagne, who officials say carried out the attack, was killed by policeCredit: X/@BillMelugin_
Nathan Comeaux, a 22-year-old senior, told the Daily Mail that the bar was “full of college students.”
He said there were hundreds of kids “shoulder to shoulder” in the bar, “just enjoying their nights.”
‘Possible nexus to terrorism’
Authorities are continuing to investigate the shooting and Diagne’s motive.
Alex Doran, the acting Special Agent in charge of the FBI’s San Antonio office and the National Counterterrorism Center are investigating whether or not the shooting is related to foreign terrorism.
“It is still way too early in the process to determine an exact motivation, but there were indicators on the subject and in his vehicle that indicate possible nexus to terrorism,” Doran said.
“Again, it’s still too early to make a determination on that, that is why we are working very closely with our partners with Austin Police Department.”
The attack came soon after the US and Israel began a “four-week” process to stop Iran’s nuclear weapons program, President Donald Trump said.
Diagne, a US citizen originally from Senegal, was seen wearing a shirt with the Iranian flag underneath a hoodie that said “Property of Allah,” per a photo obtained by Fox News and comments from a source.
It was also reported that a Quran was found in the 53-year-old’s vehicle.
Diagne had a history of arrests, including in Texas and New York City, where he lived from 2000 to 2008.
Three of the arrests were sealed but one arrest was for illegal vending.
Law enforcement sources told CBS News that Diagne had a history of mental health episodes.
