Austin, Texas — A gunman identified as Ndiaga Diagne, a 53-year-old Senegalese national, opened fire at Buford’s Backyard Beer Garden on Sunday evening, killing three people and injuring more than a dozen others before he was fatally shot by police. Authorities believe the attack may have been inspired by recent U.S. and Israeli missile strikes on Iran, though the investigation remains ongoing. Diagne, who was wearing a sweatshirt emblazoned with “Property of Allah” over a shirt featuring the Iranian flag, had a documented history of posting inflammatory and hateful content online, according to law enforcement sources and social media archives reviewed by investigators.
The incident unfolded around 8 p.m. at the popular outdoor venue in downtown Austin, where hundreds of patrons were gathered for drinks and live music. Witnesses described scenes of chaos as gunfire erupted without warning. “It was like something out of a nightmare,” said Maria Gonzalez, a 28-year-old server at the bar who escaped unharmed. “People were screaming and running everywhere. I hid behind the bar until the police came.” According to Austin Police Department spokesperson Lt. Sarah Ramirez, officers responded within minutes and engaged Diagne in a shootout, ending the threat. Two officers fired their weapons, and Diagne was pronounced dead at the scene.
The victims included two men in their 30s and a woman in her 40s, all local residents, the police department confirmed Monday morning. At least 14 others were hospitalized with injuries ranging from gunshot wounds to shrapnel cuts. Hospitals in the area, including Seton Medical Center, reported treating survivors throughout the night. No motive has been officially confirmed, but federal investigators from the FBI have joined local authorities to examine Diagne’s background, including his immigration status and online activity.
Diagne, who had been living in the U.S. for several years on a work visa, according to immigration records cited by officials, maintained an active presence on X, formerly known as Twitter. His posts, which were frequently flagged for “hateful conduct” by the platform, revealed a pattern of antisemitic, misogynistic, and anti-Christian rhetoric, often intertwined with praise for Islamic extremism. In one post from last April, Diagne wrote, “The Islamic revolution is eternal and here to stay until the end of time.” He added, “You Zionist and islamophobes can be angry all you want but you can’t do a damn thing about it, no matter what.”
Several of his rants targeted prominent conservative figures, particularly women. In October, Diagne directed vitriol at MAGA podcaster Laura Loomer, posting, “Shut the f–k up you Israel first wh–e, move to Israel you f–king bitch.” In a follow-up, he said, “Free ride is coming to an end, you and your Israel first acolytes fake Jews know it, so melt down all you want you ugly bitch.” Loomer, who has been vocal about her support for Israel, responded to the shooting news on X Monday, stating, “This is the dangerous hate that festers online. We need to crack down on radical voices before they turn violent.”
Similarly, Diagne attacked Valentina Gomez, a congressional candidate in Texas known for her criticism of Islam. After Gomez shared remarks deemed critical of the religion, he replied, “just post your address tough girl,” and added, “Trying so hard to assimilate. You ain’t one of them wet back bitch.” Gomez, reached by phone Tuesday, expressed shock but emphasized resilience. “Hate like this is why we fight for our values,” she said. “My thoughts are with the victims in Austin.”
Diagne’s online tirades extended to broader geopolitical issues. He frequently condemned Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, calling him “evil” in multiple posts. In response to a tweet from Ivanka Trump praising her father’s Middle East peace initiatives, Diagne wrote, “They think they can turn GAZA into a real estate development. They are mistaken. The atrocities of the settlers occupying Palestine will come to an end just like apartheid South Africa.” Ivanka Trump has not publicly commented on the shooting.
His animosity also targeted Christianity. In a November post, Diagne argued, “So funny Islam is considered an enemy to America? Because Jesus who came out of a vagina can never be GOD, just read Mark 12:29, John 17:3, your lies, propaganda, insults and smear will not stop ISLAM, ISLAM is here to save you in this world and the hereafter.” Experts in online radicalization, such as Dr. Emily Hargrove from the University of Texas, noted that such posts align with patterns seen in self-radicalized individuals. “Social media amplifies echo chambers where hate can escalate unchecked,” Hargrove said in an interview. “This case underscores the need for better monitoring without infringing on free speech.”
Authorities have not yet determined if Diagne acted alone or was part of a larger network. The FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force is reviewing his devices and communications, according to a statement from the agency. Diagne’s Senegalese background adds layers to the investigation; Senegal, a predominantly Muslim nation, has seen rising Islamist influences in recent years, though officials emphasized no direct ties to foreign groups have been found so far.
The shooting comes amid heightened tensions in the Middle East, following U.S. and Israeli airstrikes on Iranian targets last week, which were in retaliation for attacks on American forces. President Trump addressed the incident briefly during a White House briefing on Monday, calling it “a tragic act of terror” and vowing to enhance border security and online surveillance. “We won’t let radicals from abroad bring their hate to our shores,” he said. Critics, including Democratic Senator Elizabeth Warren, countered that such rhetoric could inflame divisions. “We need unity, not division, in times like these,” Warren posted on X.
Buford’s Backyard Beer Garden, a staple of Austin’s vibrant nightlife since opening in 2015, announced it would remain closed indefinitely. Owner Tom Buford released a statement expressing devastation: “Our community has been shattered. We’re cooperating fully with authorities and supporting our staff and patrons however we can.” The venue, known for its family-friendly atmosphere during the day and lively evenings, had hosted events drawing diverse crowds, including tourists and locals alike.
In the aftermath, Austin Mayor Kirk Watson declared a day of mourning and urged residents to report suspicious online activity. Community leaders from various faiths gathered at City Hall on Monday evening for a vigil, where Imam Ahmed Khalil of the local Islamic Center spoke. “This man’s actions do not represent Islam or our community,” Khalil said. “We stand with the victims and condemn all violence.” Jewish and Christian leaders echoed similar sentiments, highlighting interfaith solidarity.
As the investigation unfolds, questions linger about how Diagne, who reportedly worked as a delivery driver in the Austin area, evaded detection despite his overt online posts. X has removed Diagne’s account, stating it violated policies on violent extremism. Platform executives, in a blog post, affirmed their commitment to content moderation but faced scrutiny from lawmakers on both sides of the aisle for past leniency.
The Austin shooting has reignited national debates on gun control, immigration, and digital radicalization. Advocacy groups like the Brady Campaign called for stricter assault weapon bans, while the NRA emphasized mental health and Second Amendment rights. On immigration, figures like Texas Governor Greg Abbott praised local law enforcement but pushed for federal reforms. “We can’t wait for Washington to act,” Abbott said at a press conference.
With funerals pending and trauma counseling underway, Austin begins a long road to recovery. Federal charges, if any accomplices emerge, could follow, but for now, the focus remains on healing a city rocked by inexplicable violence. As Lt. Ramirez put it, “We’re piecing together why this happened, but nothing justifies the loss of innocent lives.”