A tragic incident over the weekend has claimed the life of a Texas college student, who was among the victims killed by a suspected terrorist at a bustling bar in Austin. Ryder Harrington, a student from Texas Tech University, lost his life during the shooting at Buford’s Backyard Beer Garden early Sunday morning. This information was shared on a GoFundMe page set up by his fraternity, Beta Theta Pi.
The fraternity’s tribute to Harrington paints a picture of a young man who was deeply cherished. “Ryder was a beloved son, brother, and friend whose kindness and presence touched countless lives,” the message stated. “From the moment he joined our brotherhood, he brought a light that was impossible to ignore.”
Harrington was one of two individuals killed in the tragic event, which also left 14 others injured. The shooting was carried out by Ndiaga Diagne, a 53-year-old naturalized U.S. citizen originally from Senegal, residing in Pflugerville, Texas. The attack took place in the early hours of Sunday at the popular nightlife spot near the University of Texas at Austin.
Austin Police Chief Lisa Davis described the chilling sequence of events, explaining that the assailant “put his flashers on, rolled down his window, and began using a pistol to shoot out of his car windows, hitting patrons of the bar who were on the patio and those in front of the bar.”
Ryder Harrington, a student at Texas Tech University, was killed by gunfire at Buford’s Backyard Beer Garden in Austin on Sunday morning, according to a GoFundMe page created by his fraternity, Beta Theta Pi. (@ttubeta/Instagram)
According to Police Chief Lisa Davis, the gunman “put his flashers on, rolled down his window and began using a pistol shooting out of his car windows, striking patrons of the bar that were on the patio and that were in front of the bar.”
From there, the gunman drove westbound on Sixth Street to Wood Street, parked his vehicle and exited holding a rifle while continuing to shoot at pedestrians. He never entered the bar.
The gunman was then shot and killed by police at the scene.
The FBI has since revealed the shooting was a possible act of terrorism.
“Obviously, it’s still way too early in the process to determine an exact motivation, but there were indicators on the subject and in his vehicle that indicate potential nexus to terrorism,” Alex Dorn, acting special agent in charge of the FBI’s San Antonio Field Office, said at a press conference Sunday.
“Again, it’s still too early to make a determination on that. That’s why we are investigating it very closely with our partners with Austin police department,” Dorn added.
Authorities investigating outside of Buford’s bar on March 1, 2026, in Austin, Texas. Two people are dead, and 14 others hospitalized following a mass shooting early Sunday morning. The gunman was also shot and killed. (Brandon Bell/Getty Images)
Dorn also said the FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force has been deployed to aid in the investigation.
“We’re just at this point prepared to say that it was potentially an act of terrorism,” he said.
As the investigation unfolds, Harrington’s loved ones continue to mourn the loss of the college student and fraternity member.
Texas House of Representatives Speaker Dustin Burrows penned an emotional statement to social media, revealing Harrington was the brother-in-law of a member of his political team.
Federal agents comb the scene of a potential terrorist attack shooting in Austin, Texas. (Aaron E. Martinez/Getty Images)
“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,” Burrows wrote.
Additionally, Chancellor Emeritus of the Texas Tech University System and former Texas senator Kent Hance also condemned the violent act and offered his condolences.
“Ryder Harrington was murdered in Austin by a terrorist,” Hance posted to X. “Ryder was an outstanding young man. I’ve talked to several people who knew him and everyone had nothing but praise for him and his character.”
Texas Tech University did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital’s request for comment.
“Ryder had a rare ability to truly enjoy life to make people laugh, to make moments feel bigger, and to make ordinary days unforgettable,” the tribute added. “If anyone embodied what it meant to live fully and love deeply, it was Ryder.”
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