UT Austin Community Mourns Student Killed in Sixth Street Shooting, Vigil Held

The University of Texas at Austin community is in mourning following the death of a student in the mass shooting that occurred on West Sixth Street on March 1, 2026. A candlelight vigil was held Tuesday evening on the South Mall Lawn to honor the victims.

Vigil and Memorials

Students Demand Action at UT Austin organized the vigil, which took place from 6:30 p.m. To 7:30 p.m. The event provided 100 candles, supplemented by those from Student Services. Attendees were able to contribute to memorials set up in conjunction with Vidas Robadas, leaving flowers, cards, and pictures according to the Daily Texan.

The University of Texas Police Department increased its presence around South Mall and West Campus during the vigil as reported by the Daily Texan. Attendance was limited to the campus community, with outside guests not permitted.

The Shooting and Victims

The shooting at Buford’s Backyard Beer Garden resulted in four deaths, including the perpetrator, and 13 injuries as detailed on Wikipedia and confirmed by the Daily Texan. The shooter was identified as 53-year-old Ndiaga Diagne according to police.

Savitha Shanmugasundaram, a senior majoring in management information systems and economics, was confirmed as one of the victims by UT Austin President Jim Davis. Her family described her as “bright, compassionate, and deeply caring” in a statement to the Daily Texan. Ryder Harrington, a student at Texas Tech University, was as well killed according to the Austin American-Statesman.

Two victims remain in critical condition as of March 3, 2026, according to CNN.

Investigation

The FBI is investigating the shooting as a potential act of terrorism, exploring a possible connection to the conflict between the United States and Israel against Iran and its proxies according to the Wikipedia entry. Austin Police Department is working with federal officials to determine the shooter’s motive CNN reported.