Savitha Shanmugasundaram Shan Among Victims Killed by Ndiaga Diagne at Buford’s Backyard Beer Garden Near UT Austin; Tributes Pour In for 21-Year-Old Student

Tributes are pouring in for Savitha Shanmugasundaram, also known as Savitha Shan, who was killed during a mass shooting at Buford’s Backyard Beer Garden near the University of Texas at Austin.

Officials confirmed that Savitha, 21, was among three people who lost their lives in the early morning attack. The other victims were identified as Ryder Harrington, 19, and Jorge Pederson, 30.

Authorities say the gunman, Ndiaga Diagne, a 53-year-old naturalized U.S. citizen originally from Senegal, opened fire around 2 a.m. Sunday. Investigators stated that Diagne drove by the bar in an SUV and shot at people gathered outside before parking, exiting the vehicle with a rifle, and continuing to fire into the crowd.

At least 14 others were injured, many of them seated outdoors at the time of the attack. Police confronted and fatally shot Diagne at the scene.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation is investigating the shooting as a possible act of terrorism. Officials have not confirmed a motive but indicated it could potentially be connected to geopolitical tensions, including the war in Iran. Authorities also reported that the suspect was wearing a sweatshirt reading “Property of Allah” at the time of the shooting.

Savitha Shanmugasundaram was an Indian American student of Tamil heritage who was set to graduate in 2026 with a bachelor’s degree in Economics and Business Administration. She served as president of the university’s Indian Students Association and volunteered with Austin’s Tamil Sangam community organization. Friends and classmates described her as passionate about leadership, culture, and graphic design.

UT Austin President Jim Davis remembered Savitha as “a child of loving parents, a loyal friend to many, a Longhorn preparing to change the world.”

Ryder Harrington had previously attended Texas Tech University from fall 2024 to fall 2025. Jorge Pederson, 30, was also identified among those killed, though additional details about him have not yet been widely released.

Gregg Abbott issued a statement following the tragedy, saying, “Texas mourns with the families and loved ones of those who were horrifically killed in last night’s attack in Austin. Texans are strong. We will not be intimidated, and we will not be terrorized.”

In the aftermath of the shooting, some Texas lawmakers have called for stricter immigration measures, while others urged unity as the investigation continues.

This remains a developing story as federal and local authorities work to determine the motive behind the attack and provide updates on the injured victims.