New details released by the FBI on May 7, 2026, shed light on the motives behind the tragic March 1 mass shooting at Buford’s Backyard Beer Garden in Austin. Investigators have confirmed that the gunman, 53-year-old Ndiaga Diagne, possessed a deep ideological “affinity for Iran” and its leadership.
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The FBI’s final report clarifies several critical aspects of the attack that left three dead and 15 wounded:
- Political Radicalization: Diagne was heavily influenced by the late Iranian leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Evidence suggests his decision to attack was a direct response to U.S. and Israeli military strikes against Iran that occurred only 24 hours prior.
- The “Lone Actor” Conclusion: While Diagne’s views aligned with foreign interests, the FBI found no evidence of direct coordination, funding, or orders from any international terrorist groups.
- Visual Evidence: During the assault, the shooter wore clothing featuring the Iranian flag and a sweatshirt reading “Property of Allah,” signaling his ideological alignment to witnesses and law enforcement.
- Background: A naturalized U.S. citizen originally from Senegal, Diagne had no prior criminal record and had never been on the FBI’s radar before the incident.
The Timeline of the Attack
The assault began at 1:58 a.m. on West Sixth Street. Diagne utilized both a handgun and an AR-15–style rifle during the five-minute shooting spree before he was engaged and killed by Austin Police Department officers.
Remaining Question: Despite the clear ideological motive, the FBI remains uncertain as to why Diagne specifically targeted the West Sixth Street entertainment district for his attack.
