UPDATED: Death toll rises, victims of Austin mass shooting identified [Photos]

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Another victim of a mass shooting at a bar in Austin, Texas passed away on Monday, bringing the death toll to three.

In what is being investigated as a potential terror attack, a gunman (wearing a sweatshirt that said, “Property of Allah”) opened fire about 2:00 a.m. Sunday,  as people were leaving the bar at closing time. Reportedly, the suspect drove around the block several times before stopping in front of the bar and shooting out his car window with a pistol. He then got out of his car and continued shooting at people on the street. Police arrived less than a minute later and took the gunman down.

The gunman was identified as Ndiaga Diagne, 53, a man who came to the US from Senegal, West Africa, in March 2000 on a tourist visa. He became a lawful permanent resident in June 2006 when he married a US citizen, then was granted U.S. citizenship in April 2013. He had a criminal record, both in New York and in Texas.

The first two victims died at the scene of the shooting, while 14 others were rushed to the hospital.  A third victim died from his injuries on Monday, after he was taken off life support.

The deceased victims have been identified as:

  • Ryder Harrington, 19, who attended Texas Tech University
  • Savitha Shan, 21, who attended the University of Texas
  • Jorge Pederson, 30, a popular Minnesota fighter

Thirteen others were injured, with two remaining in critical condition.

Officials said during a press conference Monday that a third victim is expected to be taken off life support sometime today.  Two others are still in critical condition.

The Austin Police Department first announced, “The deceased victims have been identified as 19-year-old Ryder Harrington and 21-year-old Savitha Shan.”

Monday night, the Austin Police Department announced the third victim.

“We are sad to report a 3rd victim has passed away as a result of the shooting on West Sixth Street yesterday morning. The victim has been identified as 30-year-old Jorge Pederson.”

Austin Mayor Kirk Watson added, “We have more pain from this horrible event. Please remember Jorge Pederson, Savitha Shan, Ryder Harrington, and all of the victims of this senseless, ridiculous act.

“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 Med City Fighting Championships announced in a statement on Facebook, “We have heard the terrible news of the passing of beloved Minnesotan fighter Jorge Pederson. Jorge was one of the people on our first card. Immediately after meeting him, both owners and people that work our events all immediately loved him. He was a fantastic fighter. One of our favorite people to interact with, throughout the years of our existence. Our condolences to all of his friends and family. It was an honor to have known him.”

Russ Finney, Assistant Professor at the University of Texas McCombs, shared a photo of Savitha Shan and wrote:

Savitha was one of our superstar students at the UT Austin McCombs school of business – she was set to graduate this May, and then she was on to start her career at a big professional services firm. She was a double major with honors. Involved in student organizations – a light in the classroom. Absolutely crushing to lose her.

That location on 6th Street is pretty far west of Congress (toward Lamar), and considered safe by our students. Really no words to express the wave of sadness rolling over @UTexasMcCombs and @UTAustin. Other students are still in the hospital in very serious conditions – this is a very tough week for our community, the families, and #ATX in general. Thanks for releasing this information.

Ryder Harrington’s older brother, Reed, posted a heartbreaking tribute on Facebook, and confirmed that he was only 19 years old.

Ryder’s sister, Reagan, also mourned her brother’s death in a tribute on Instagram:

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Reag (@reaganharrington)

UPDATE: Austin mass shooter entered US during Clinton admin, became citizen under Obama — despite string of busts

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