By Prabha Bhaskar 
Breaking News | Austin, Texas | March 1, 2026 | Updated: 11:43 AM CT
A mass shooting at a popular downtown Austin bar in the early hours of Sunday morning has left three people dead — including the gunman — and 14 others hospitalized, in what the FBI is now investigating as a potential act of terrorism.
The attack unfolded just before 2:00 a.m. outside Buford’s Backyard Beer Garden on West 6th Street, one of Austin’s most beloved nightlife strips. The suspect, later identified by CBS News as Ndiaga Diagne, a naturalized American citizen born in Senegal, was fatally shot by Austin Police officers at the scene. Of the 14 people transported to local hospitals, three are listed in critical condition.
What Happened: Timeline of the Austin Shooting
According to Austin Police Chief Lisa Davis, the suspect had been circling the block in a large SUV multiple times before the attack began.
Here is how events unfolded:
- ~1:58–1:59 a.m. — 911 calls begin reporting a shooting near Buford’s Bar on West 6th Street
- The suspect activated his hazard lights, rolled down his window, and opened fire with a pistol from inside the moving vehicle, striking patrons seated on the patio and standing in front of the bar
- The suspect then drove to Wood Street, parked the SUV, and continued the attack on foot — first with a pistol, then switching to a rifle as he moved eastbound along 6th Street
- Within 57 seconds of the first 911 call, Austin-Travis County EMS and APD officers were on scene and treating victims
- Three APD officers encountered the suspect armed with a rifle on the street and returned fire, fatally shooting him
- All critical patients were cleared from the scene within 24 minutes; all patients removed within 47 minutes
Police confirmed the suspect never entered Buford’s bar itself. Only two weapons — a pistol and a rifle — were recovered. Evidence from the SUV and surrounding businesses is still being processed.
FBI Involvement: “Potential Nexus to Terrorism”
This is not being treated as an ordinary mass shooting.
Alex Doran, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s San Antonio Field Office, confirmed at a 9:30 a.m. press briefing that federal investigators have found “indicators on the subject and in his vehicle that indicate potential nexus to terrorism.”
“In terms of specifically what type of terrorism, we’re just at this point prepared to say that it was potentially an act of terrorism.” — Alex Doran, FBI Acting SAC, San Antonio
The FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force (JTTF), along with specialty investigative teams, are now actively involved. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) is also at the scene.
Rep. Chip Roy (R-TX) said on social media that he had spoken with FBI and APD officials and learned what he described as “very troubling facts” about the suspect — including that the suspect reportedly wore a shirt reading “Property of Allah” and that a Quran was found in the vehicle. These details have not yet been officially confirmed by law enforcement at press time.
The motive remains officially under investigation.
Statements from Officials: “First Responders Saved Lives”
Austin Mayor Kirk Watson and Police Chief Lisa Davis both addressed the public in emotional press briefings on Sunday morning.
“There is no question in my mind that the quick response of the police officers and of our EMS personnel saved lives under these circumstances.” — Mayor Kirk Watson
“My condolences to those that have been touched by this. This is a tragic, tragic incident.” — Police Chief Lisa Davis
ATCEMS Chief Robert Luckritz highlighted the embedded paramedic program between Austin-Travis County EMS and APD:
“We had medical care on site treating patients within 57 seconds as part of a program where we have paramedics embedded with teams during the peak of entertainment hours. All total, more than 20 EMS resources responded to the scene.”
Texas Governor Greg Abbott has directed the Department of Public Safety (DPS) to increase patrols and add law enforcement personnel in the Sixth Street area.
“This act of violence will not define us, nor will it shake the resolve of Texans.” — Gov. Greg Abbott
Community Reaction: Austin Wakes Up in Grief
Austin-area lawmakers and community leaders reacted with shock and heartbreak throughout the morning.
Rep. John Bucy III, who represents Austin in the Texas House, said:
“Austin is waking up to another gut-wrenching act of gun violence. My heart is broken for the victims, for their families, and for the pain afflicted on our community.”
The University of Texas at Austin, whose campus sits just blocks from the shooting scene, has not yet issued a formal statement but is monitoring the situation. Counseling and support services are expected to be announced.
South Texas Blood & Tissue officials confirmed that 20 units of O-negative blood were rushed to Austin overnight, and the Blood Emergency Readiness Corps (BERC) was activated. An additional 140 units — including O-negative and O-positive — were dispatched from other regional blood centers.
About the Location: Why West 6th Street Matters
West 6th Street is one of Austin’s most iconic entertainment corridors — a stretch packed with bars, restaurants, live music venues, and late-night crowds, particularly on weekends. Buford’s Backyard Beer Garden, located at the intersection of West 6th and Rio Grande streets, is a well-known gathering spot for locals and UT students.
The area is known for its vibrant, open-air nightlife culture, which also means large outdoor crowds — making it an especially vulnerable target.
This shooting comes amid a broader national conversation about public safety and gun violence, and follows other mass shooting incidents in Texas in recent years. The FBI’s terrorism angle, however, makes the Austin mass shooting 2026 a uniquely alarming case for federal authorities.
Ongoing Investigation: What Comes Next
- West 6th Street from Guadalupe Street to North Lamar Boulevard remains closed to all traffic; residents and visitors are asked to avoid the area
- More press briefings are expected throughout Sunday as the investigation develops
- The FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force is processing the SUV and evidence from nearby businesses
- Authorities have not yet confirmed whether the suspect acted alone or had any known affiliations
- Rep. Roy and other lawmakers have called for a full and transparent federal investigation
Important Contacts & Safety Advisory
If you are searching for a loved one: 📞 Austin Police Department Victim Services Unit: 512-974-5037
If you have information, photos, or video related to this incident: Contact the Austin Police Department directly or submit tips online via APD’s official website.
For mental health support and trauma resources, Austin-Travis County Integral Care is available at 512-472-4357 (HELP).
Quick Facts: Austin 6th Street Shooting at a Glance
- Date: Sunday, March 1, 2026
- Time: Approx. 1:58–1:59 a.m. CT
- Location: Buford’s Backyard Beer Garden, West 6th Street, Austin, TX
- Casualties: 2 victims killed, 1 suspect killed by police, 14 hospitalized (3 critical)
- Weapons used: Pistol + Rifle
- Suspect: Ndiaga Diagne (naturalized U.S. citizen, born in Senegal) — deceased
- Investigation status: Active — FBI JTTF + ATF involved; possible terrorism nexus
- Road closures: West 6th Street, Guadalupe to N. Lamar Blvd
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: How many people were killed in the Austin 6th Street shooting? Three people died — two victims and the suspect. Fourteen others were hospitalized.
Q: Who is the suspect in the Austin mass shooting? CBS News identified the suspect as Ndiaga Diagne, a naturalized American citizen born in Senegal. He was fatally shot by Austin Police officers.
Q: Is the FBI treating the Austin shooting as a terrorist attack? The FBI has confirmed there are “indicators” of a potential nexus to terrorism but has not officially classified it as a terrorist attack yet. The investigation is ongoing.
Q: Is West 6th Street currently open? No. As of Sunday morning, West 6th Street from Guadalupe to North Lamar is closed. Avoid the area.
Q: How can I find out if a loved one was involved? Call Austin PD Victim Services at 512-974-5037.
This is a developing story. This article will be updated as new information becomes available from official briefings.
Sources: Austin Police Department, Austin-Travis County EMS, FBI San Antonio Field Office, Mayor Kirk Watson’s office, KSAT, CBS Austin, Texas Tribune, KUT Radio, ABC News, KXAN