An Early-Morning Shooting Near the University of Texas Campus Shocks Austin and Kills Ryder Harrington -An Early-Morning Shooting Near the University of Texas Campus Shocks Austin and Kills Ryder Harrington

Authorities responded to reports of gunfire around 1:40 a.m. Sunday near Buford’s, a bar frequented by college students and located a short distance from the University of Texas at Austin campus.

The shooting left three people dead, including the gunman, and injured at least 14 others.

Among the victims was 19-year-old Ryder Harrington, a college student whose death his father, Michael Harrington, confirmed in a brief phone call on Monday.

Officials identified the gunman as Ndiaga Diagne, a 53-year-old naturalized U.S. citizen from Senegal. Police officers confronted him at the scene and fatally shot him after he opened fire outside the bar.

Investigators, including the FBI, began examining whether the attack had potential ties to terrorism.

Austin Police Chief Lisa Davis said the suspect fired from outside the bar, first shooting from a vehicle and then exiting with a rifle.

Officers later searched his vehicle with the assistance of an explosives team but found no bombs.

Ryder Harrington grew up in Austin and attended Texas Tech University in Lubbock. He joined the Fall 2024 pledge class of the university’s Beta Theta Pi chapter and quickly became a valued member of the fraternity.

In a heartfelt social media tribute, the fraternity described Ryder as a beloved son, brother, and friend whose kindness touched countless lives.

Members said he brought an undeniable light to the brotherhood and had a rare ability to make people laugh and turn ordinary days into unforgettable moments. The chapter scheduled a candlelight vigil on March 2, 2026, to honor his memory.

Ryder’s older brother, Reed Harrington, shared an emotional statement on social media. He described Ryder as “the best mix” of their family, praising his wit, heart, and determination.

Reed expressed heartbreak that his younger brother’s life ended at just 19 years old, writing that the world had been robbed of a bright future.

The tragedy reached beyond the immediate family and university circles. Dustin Burrows, Speaker of the Texas House, publicly shared his condolences, noting that Ryder was the brother-in-law of one of his staff members.

Burrows said the loss struck especially close to home for his team and described Ryder as a young man who made a difference simply by being himself.

Friends, classmates, and community members have rallied around the Harrington family. A GoFundMe campaign launched to support them raised more than $49,000 by mid-morning on March 2.

Fourteen people sustained injuries during the shooting. Hospital officials from St. David’s HealthCare reported that several victims were treated and released, while others remained hospitalized in varying conditions.

One injured student, Karan Bhakta, a 21-year-old senior at the University of Texas at Austin, said a bullet grazed his scalp while he was out with friends. Doctors treated his minor injuries at Ascension Seton Medical Center.

Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the attack, including the suspect’s background and motives.

Law enforcement officials have urged anyone with additional information to come forward as they work to piece together a full timeline of events.