‘Full Of Life’ Texas Tech Student Slain In Austin Shooting As FBI Eyes Possible Terror Link

The first victim in the Austin bar shooting over the weekend has been identified as 19-year-old Ryder Harrington, a student at Texas Tech.

“Ryder was the best mix of all the Harrington crew,” his brother, Reed Harrington, wrote on social media, thanking supporters on behalf of the family.

Harrington was one of two people killed early Sunday morning after 53-year-old Ndiaga Diagne opened fire outside Buford’s, a popular bar in downtown Austin. Police shot and killed Diagne after a brief gunfire exchange.

According to local Lubbock TV station KCBD, Harrington was a member of the Fall 2024 pledge class of the Beta Theta Pi fraternity.

In a statement, the fraternity said:

His character and genuine spirit made our chapter stronger and our friendships deeper. The energy he carried, the joy he spread, and the way he made everyone feel welcome are things we will never forget. He made the world around him better simply by being in it.

Texas House Speaker Dustin Burrows (R) said the loss hit close to home because Harrington was related to one of his team members.

“Ryder was the brother-in-law of one of our own, and our hearts are aching alongside his loved ones,” Burrows said. “From all accounts, Ryder was exactly the kind of young man who made a difference without even trying—full of life, loyal to his friends, proud to be a Red Raider and a Texan, and someone who showed up for the people around him.”

Police say Diagne fired just before 2 a.m. Sunday. He reportedly wore a sweatshirt that said “Property of Allah” and a t-shirt underneath with a design similar to the Iranian flag. According to law enforcement, Diagne drove around the block multiple times in a large SUV before stopping, turning on his flashers, rolling down a window, and firing at people sitting outside the establishment.

He then exited the vehicle and continued shooting in the crowded nightlife district.

Authorities said Diagne was armed with a handgun and rifle and acted alone.

Fourteen people were hospitalized, several in critical condition.

CBS News reported that investigators found Iranian flags and pictures of Iranian leaders in the shooter’s home. A Quran was also found in the vehicle. Officials have not announced a motive, but the FBI is investigating whether the shooting could be related to terrorism. Other reports say the gunman had previous mental health issues.

The attack occurred hours after the United States and Israel launched strikes on targets in Iran.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Austin Police at 512-974-TIPS.