Federal investigators have concluded that the shooter who opened fire at a downtown Austin bar in March, claiming three lives and injuring more than a dozen others, carried out the attack without assistance from terrorist organizations, according to an FBI report released Thursday.
The bureau issued a two-page summary of their investigation into the early morning March 1 assault at Buford’s Backyard Beer Garden, which concluded when the attacker, Ndiaga Diagne, was fatally shot by responding officers.
The violence occurred following military strikes by the United States and Israel against Iran. During the attack, Diagne wore clothing featuring Iranian flag imagery and text reading “Property of Allah.”
While investigators could not establish a definitive motive, they believe Diagne’s violent actions were sparked by the military conflict with Iran, “culminating in a violent, impulsive attack” at the establishment, according to the federal report.
The investigation revealed that Diagne held deep admiration for Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who had been killed. Authorities determined his support for Iran and its former leader likely influenced his decision to carry out the solo assault.
“The investigation to date indicates Diagne was a lone actor,” the federal report stated. Prior to the shooting, he had never been under FBI surveillance or investigation.
The 53-year-old perpetrator was a Senegal native who initially arrived in the United States in 2000 using a B-2 tourist visa, later obtaining permanent residency status in 2006 following his marriage to an American citizen, Department of Homeland Security records show.
“There is no evidence at this time that he was associated with a Foreign Terrorist Organization or that he received any direction, funding, or operational support for his attack,” investigators concluded.
The targeted venue sits within Austin’s bustling entertainment district filled with bars and nightlife establishments. According to police accounts, the gunman initially drove past the location before returning to open fire from his SUV on pedestrians and patrons. He subsequently exited his vehicle armed with a rifle and continued shooting at people on the street until law enforcement arrived and neutralized the threat.
Austin Police Chief Lisa Davis previously reported that officers reached the scene within 56 seconds of receiving the initial emergency call and eliminated the shooter after he opened fire on police personnel.
The victims claimed in the attack were identified as 21-year-old Savitha Shan, 19-year-old Ryder Harrington, and 30-year-old Jorge Pederson.
Federal authorities indicated their investigation into the deadly incident continues.
