The Austin Police Department (APD) has released new body camera footage, 911 recordings, and radio traffic related to the deadly mass shooting on West Sixth Street that occurred in the early hours of Sunday, March 1, 2026. The release, shared during a press briefing on Thursday, offers a sobering look at the rapid response of officers who confronted and neutralized the gunman, 53-year-old Ndiaga Diagne, within minutes of the initial attack.
Inside the Response
The footage details the chaotic moments beginning around 1:58 a.m., when Diagne drove past Buford’s Backyard Beer Garden, turned on his hazard lights, and began firing a semi-automatic pistol from his SUV at patrons on the patio and sidewalk.
According to Austin Police Chief Lisa Davis, officers were already stationed in the downtown entertainment district and responded within 57 seconds of the first emergency call. The video shows the suspect stopping his vehicle near West Sixth and Wood streets, exiting with an AR-15-style rifle, and firing at pedestrians. Officers located Diagne at 2:03 a.m. and engaged him after he fired in their direction. The suspect was fatally shot by responding officers at the scene.
Updated Victim and Incident Information
During Thursday’s briefing, officials updated the scale of the tragedy, reporting that a total of 18 people were struck by gunfire during the attack.
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The Fatalities: Three individuals lost their lives: 19-year-old Ryder Harrington, 21-year-old Savitha Shan, and 30-year-old Jorge Pederson, who succumbed to his injuries on Monday after being taken off life support.
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The Injured: Two victims remain hospitalized, with one in critical condition.
Investigation Continues
While the APD and the FBI continue to pore over hours of surveillance footage and witness interviews, the motive for the attack remains a central focus of the investigation. Federal authorities are probing a “potential nexus to terrorism,” citing indicators found on the suspect and in his vehicle, including clothing with religious references and an Iranian flag design.
Police stated that Diagne, a naturalized U.S. citizen from Senegal, had no prior criminal interactions with the Austin Police Department. Investigators are currently examining his background and potential connections to any organized groups, though he is currently classified as a “lone actor.”
The City of Austin continues to offer support through its Victim Assistance Center, providing resources for those affected by the trauma of the attack.
Final Word
The release of bodycam footage serves as a stark, transparent record of an event that has irrevocably altered the Austin community. When you look past the initial speculation and focus on the verified timeline provided by the APD—demonstrating the rapid, decisive response of officers—you gain a clearer picture of the split-second decisions that define modern public safety.
Quality information replaces the noise of social media rumors with the clarity of official forensic evidence. It allows you to see this event as a tragic reality that requires careful investigation rather than hasty conclusion. By choosing to rely on verified updates from local and federal authorities, you align your perspective with the realities of the ongoing investigation and support a more informed, unified, and resilient community.
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