Austin, Texas – Late Saturday night turned into a scene of shock and grief on West Sixth Street when gunfire erupted outside Buford’s Backyard Beer Garden just before 2 a.m. Sunday. Friends who had come for drinks and laughter found themselves ducking for cover as a man in a large SUV began firing at people on the crowded patio and sidewalk.
The night that had been filled with music and conversation ended with two patrons dead and at least 14 wounded. The gunman, later identified by officials as 53-year-old Ndiaga Diagne, was himself killed by Austin police in a rapid exchange of gunfire. Three others remain in critical condition in local hospitals as families wait for word.
People who had been enjoying a weekend night out described a sudden burst of chaos. Patrons sprinted toward the street, leaving drinks and belongings behind. Some survivors held each other, crying, trying to make sense of how a place of fun became a crime scene.
Paramedics and officers arrived in under a minute of the first 911 call, officials said. Their swift action is credited with preventing the violence from spreading further, but nothing could erase the memory of that panic.
In the hours that followed, West Sixth Street was blocked off with police tape. Loved ones searched frantically for friends who had been in the bar. Local residents and students from the nearby University of Texas campus gathered, offering blankets and comfort to those shaken by what they saw.
City leaders and first responders spoke with heavy hearts at a morning news briefing. They expressed sorrow for families who lost someone and urged the community to support the wounded in the days ahead.
For many, the shock was not just that the shooting happened, but that a normal night out turned into a nightmare with no clear reason. Questions about motive and meaning linger among those who were there.
As the community tries to heal, stories of heroism and solidarity have emerged. Some patrons helped others escape; strangers offered rides to hospitals. In the shadow of violence, small acts of kindness stood out as reminders of resilience.
