Crime
Victims Killed in Austin Buford’s Bar Mass Shooting Identified
AUSTIN, Texas — Authorities have identified the three victims killed in Sunday morning’s mass shooting outside Buford’s Bar on West Sixth Street in downtown Austin. The attack left three civilians dead and more than a dozen others injured before the gunman was fatally shot by police.
The victims have been identified as Savitha Shan, 21; Ryder Harrington, 19; and Jorge Pederson, 30.
According to the Austin Police Department, the suspect, 53-year-old Ndiaga Diagne, opened fire from his vehicle before exiting and continuing to shoot into a crowd in the busy entertainment district near the University of Texas campus.
Officers who were already stationed nearby responded within seconds and fatally shot the suspect.
Officials stated that the rapid response likely prevented additional casualties.
Four people are now confirmed dead, including the shooter.
At least 14 others were transported to area hospitals, with several initially listed in critical condition.
Savitha Shan, 21, was a student at the University of Texas at Austin, where she was known for her leadership and campus involvement. The university referred to her by her full name, Savitha Shanmugasundaram.
UT President Jim Davis addressed the campus community, stating:
“Today, it was confirmed that among those who lost their lives is one UT student. A child of loving parents. A loyal friend to many. A Longhorn preparing to change the world. It is devastating, and I know all of us are grieved by this horrible news and we will remember her.”
Shan was active in Austin’s Tamil Sangam community and participated in Raas Roedo, which organizes traditional Gujarati folk dance events. She also founded an e-commerce venture known as Sunflakestickers.
Ryder Harrington, 19, had previously attended Texas Tech University and was a member of its Beta Theta Pi chapter. Loved ones described him as “a beloved son, brother, and friend whose kindness and presence touched countless lives.”
A GoFundMe campaign has been established to assist his family with funeral and related expenses as they navigate what relatives describe as an unimaginable loss.
Jorge Pederson, 30, was identified as the third victim to succumb to his injuries. Authorities confirmed he had initially been listed in critical condition at a local hospital following the shooting. Pederson was described by Med City Fighting Championships as a “beloved Minnesotan fighter.”
Austin Mayor Kirk Watson urged the community to support one another during the period of mourning, stating:
“Continue to lift them and their families up. And Austin, keep reaching out to each other. Take care of each other. What we do for each other matters, especially in this time of mourning and grief.”
The Federal Bureau of Investigation and its Joint Terrorism Task Force have joined the investigation. Officials confirmed the incident is being reviewed as a possible act of terrorism, though no final determination regarding motive has been formally announced.
Investigators reported that the suspect was wearing clothing bearing the phrase “Property of Allah” at the time of the attack.
A Quran was recovered from his vehicle, and additional reports indicate he was wearing an undershirt displaying imagery associated with the Iranian flag.
Authorities are examining whether ideological motivations or international developments may have influenced the attack.
Newly released video footage shows the moment the gunman began firing into the crowd, underscoring the speed and severity of the incident.
The investigation remains ongoing as officials continue reviewing surveillance footage, digital evidence, and witness accounts.
City leaders have pledged to provide additional updates as confirmed information becomes available.
The Austin community continues to grieve the lives lost and support those injured in what has become one of the city’s most devastating acts of violence in recent years.
Crime
Who Is the Hero Teacher, Threw a Phone at Gunman John J. Griffin II, Tackled Him, and Fought Back During the Silver Rail Elementary School Shooting?
Another Unamed Hero in Silver Rail Elementary School Shooting: Teacher throwing phone at gunman Griffin J. John II who attacked , tackling him and fighting him.
Anyone Know Her Name? She Must Be Praised Just Like Kaylub Giamanco
BEND, Oregon — Becky Drury, a 54-year-old teacher at Silver Rail Elementary School in Bend, Oregon, sustained serious injuries during the deadly school shooting on Thursday, October 15, 2026. Drury suffered gunshot wounds to her left arm and right hand and underwent surgery, according to the information shared about the incident.
As Drury begins what could be a lengthy recovery, new details have also emerged about the reported actions of another teacher who allegedly confronted the gunman during the attack. According to the account attributed to Bend Police Chief Mike Krantz during a press conference, the unidentified teacher threw a phone at the suspect, tackled him, and fought back.
The teacher reportedly escaped the confrontation without physical injuries. Officials were said to have clarified that earlier information suggesting the teacher had been injured was incorrect.
Drury was among those injured in the shooting at Silver Rail Elementary School. She sustained injuries to her left arm and right hand and required surgery.
Although the injuries were described as serious, the information provided indicates that she survived the operation. Her recovery may involve additional medical treatment, rehabilitation, and emotional support as she works to recover from the traumatic experience.
Her family, colleagues, students, and community members are hoping for her continued improvement and a successful recovery.
The shooting has left the school community dealing with grief, fear, and uncertainty. For those injured, the challenges extend beyond immediate medical care, as they and their loved ones face the psychological and emotional consequences of the violence.
Additional details attributed to Bend Police Chief Mike Krantz describe the actions of another Silver Rail Elementary School teacher who reportedly confronted the gunman during the attack.
According to the account provided, the unidentified teacher threw a phone at the suspect, tackled him, and physically fought back. The teacher was reportedly not injured, contrary to earlier information about the confrontation.
The teacher’s reported actions have drawn attention because confronting an armed attacker can involve extraordinary personal risk. However, the precise sequence of events and the extent to which the confrontation affected the outcome should be established through official statements and investigative findings.
The teacher’s identity has not been provided in the supplied information. Protecting that person’s privacy may be particularly important while the school community and those directly involved continue to process the incident.
The supplied account also identifies Kaylub Giamanco as the person who reportedly shot and killed the suspect during the incident.
The suspect has been identified in earlier reports as John J. Griffin II, a 16-year-old. However, the exact spelling and order of the suspect’s name should be confirmed against official law enforcement records before publication.
The reported intervention by Giamanco and the actions attributed to the unidentified teacher are separate aspects of the developing account. Their precise roles and the circumstances surrounding the suspect’s death should be described using verified statements from investigators.
As Becky Drury faces recovery, messages of support and prayers are being shared for her and everyone affected by the shooting.
Teachers and school staff often play a central role in supporting children, particularly during frightening and uncertain situations. The reported actions of Drury’s colleague have prompted expressions of appreciation, although the full circumstances should be confirmed before drawing definitive conclusions about what happened.
The emotional impact of a school shooting can continue long after the immediate danger has passed. Survivors, families, students, educators, and first responders may need access to counseling, mental health resources, and other forms of assistance.
Community support may also help families and injured staff members manage medical costs, time away from work, and other practical challenges during recovery.
The Silver Rail Elementary School shooting has left the Bend community confronting profound loss and uncertainty. As families mourn those who died, attention is also turning to the survivors who must navigate the difficult process of healing.
Becky Drury’s recovery remains an important concern for her loved ones and colleagues. The unidentified teacher who reportedly confronted the gunman may also need emotional support after experiencing such a traumatic event, even without physical injuries.
Prayers and support are being extended to Becky Drury, her family, the teacher who reportedly intervened, and every student, family, and staff member affected by the tragedy.