Crime
Ryder Harrington Identified as One of Two Victims Killed in Austin Buford’s Bar Mass Shooting
AUSTIN, Texas — A GoFundMe campaign has been established to support the family of Ryder Harrington, one of the victims killed in this weekend’s mass shooting in downtown Austin.
The attack occurred early Sunday morning along West Sixth Street, a busy entertainment district near the University of Texas campus.
Three people were killed and at least 14 others were injured when a gunman opened fire outside a crowded bar area.
Loved ones described Ryder as “a beloved son, brother, and friend whose kindness and presence touched countless lives.”
The fundraiser aims to assist his family with funeral costs and related expenses as they cope with what relatives have called an unimaginable loss.
The Austin Police Department identified the suspect as 53-year-old Ndiaga Diagne, a Senegalese-born naturalized U.S. citizen.
Investigators say Diagne initially began firing from inside his vehicle before exiting and continuing the attack on foot into a crowd of civilians.
Officers who were already positioned nearby responded within seconds and engaged the suspect, fatally shooting him.
Authorities indicated that the rapid response likely prevented additional casualties.
Three victims were pronounced dead.
At least 14 others were transported to area hospitals, several of whom remain in critical condition.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation, including its Joint Terrorism Task Force, has joined the investigation.
Officials confirmed that the case is being reviewed as a potential act of terrorism.
According to investigators, 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 state he was wearing an undershirt displaying imagery associated with the Iranian flag. Authorities are examining whether ideological motivations or international events may have influenced the attack, though no final determination regarding motive has been formally announced.
Newly released video footage captures the moment the suspect opened fire, underscoring the rapid and chaotic nature of the incident.
Law enforcement officials continue to review surveillance video, digital evidence, and witness statements as part of the ongoing investigation.
City leaders have pledged transparency as additional verified information becomes available.
Community members continue to mourn the victims while expressing gratitude for the swift actions of responding officers who intervened during the active threat.
Crime
Walls Police Officer Da’Quarius Burton Injured in Deadly Mississippi Crash, Mother Confirms He Is Alive and Safe
DESOTO COUNTY, Mississippi — Walls Police Officer Da’Quarius Burton was injured in a deadly two-vehicle collision on U.S. Highway 61 in DeSoto County, Mississippi, but his mother has confirmed that he is alive, safe and recovering following the crash.
Burton, 27, of Memphis, Tennessee, was driving a Dodge Durango involved in the collision shortly after 8 p.m. Wednesday at the intersection of U.S. Highway 61 and Church Road in Walls.
The crash claimed the lives of three people traveling in a Honda Accord. The incident also left another passenger injured and involved employees of the DeSoto County Sheriff’s Office Juvenile Detention Center.
Following the crash, misinformation circulated online suggesting that Burton had died and that he was a juvenile detention officer.
His mother, Tee Burton, publicly addressed the reports, firmly correcting the information and asking people to stop sharing unverified claims.
She confirmed that her son is alive, safe and okay. She also emphasized that he is not a juvenile detention officer.
In her statement, she expressed disappointment over reports falsely identifying her son as one of the people who died in the collision.
She also acknowledged the families who lost loved ones and urged the public to show compassion toward everyone affected by the tragedy.
Her statement included the following message:
“My son is alive!!! He is safe, and he is okay!!!”
She further asked people to verify information before publishing or reposting details that could cause unnecessary emotional distress to families.
According to the Mississippi Highway Patrol, a northbound Dodge Durango traveling on U.S. Highway 61 collided with a westbound Honda Accord traveling on Church Road.
Three occupants of the Honda were pronounced dead at the scene.
Authorities identified the victims as:
- Latasha N. Dodson, 37, of Horn Lake, Mississippi, the Honda driver.
- Eddie L. Dodson Jr., 41, of Byhalia, Mississippi.
- Tamenshia R. Ford, 32, of Horn Lake, Mississippi.
Burton and another passenger in the Honda survived the collision but sustained injuries and were transported to a local hospital. Their specific medical conditions have not been publicly detailed in the information provided.
The DeSoto County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that two people involved in the crash were employees of its Juvenile Detention Center.
One of those employees was Tamenshia R. Ford, who died in the collision. The second employee was seriously injured.
Sheriff Thomas E. Tuggle II expressed condolences following the death of the employee, describing the person as a respected and beloved member of the department.
“Our fallen officer was a respected and beloved member of our team,” Tuggle said.
The sheriff’s office also recognized the employee’s dedication, compassion and commitment to working with young people entrusted to the facility’s care.
State officials confirmed that the Dodge Durango involved in the collision belonged to the Walls Police Department.
The city’s mayor and police chief also confirmed that a Walls police officer was involved in the crash. Burton’s mother has since clarified that her son is the officer and that he survived.
An SUV displaying Walls Police Department identification was seen being towed from the crash scene Wednesday night.
The Mississippi Highway Patrol is leading the investigation into the fatal collision.
Investigators are working to determine the circumstances surrounding the crash. Authorities have not released additional details about what led to the vehicles colliding.
The crash resulted in three deaths and left multiple people injured. Burton’s family has asked the public to respect the victims and their loved ones while avoiding the spread of false information.
The investigation remains ongoing.