Video from deadly Austin bar shooting released by police
Video from Austin bar shooting made available by Texas police
Following a weekend incident in Austin, Texas, law enforcement officials have shared video and audio recordings of the event, capturing the sudden outbreak of violence near a bustling beer garden in the city center. The footage highlights the gunfire directed at civilians, as well as the three officers who engaged the assailant. The investigation remains ongoing, though Travis County District Attorney José Garza has stated that his examination of the officers’ conduct has concluded.
DA closes review, dismisses charges
Garza addressed the situation in a letter sent to Austin Police Chief Lisa Davis on Wednesday, confirming that his analysis of the officers’ actions is complete. “At the time of the shooting, the officers were dealing with an active attack in a scenario involving multiple casualties, and the perpetrator was actively deploying unlawful deadly force,” he explained. The letter, which NBC News received, emphasizes that no further legal action will be pursued based on current evidence.
“These officers are heroes, and it should go without saying that my office is not seeking any charges and would not seek charges,” Garza stated. “The accounts to the contrary are false, intentionally false, and are being peddled for obvious political purposes.”
Additional footage from various perspectives, including a parked car, reveals the shooter targeting a pedestrian before being shot by police. Body camera clips show the moment the suspect fell to the ground and bystanders taking cover. Security footage further details the sequence of events, with the attacker firing at pedestrians before officers intervened.
Criticism and speculation about potential charges against the officers have surfaced online, prompting Garza to refute claims of intent to prosecute. “This…is…INSANE,” tweeted Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, on X. The Austin Police Association’s president, Michael Bullock, added that while no charges have been filed, the district attorney may still present the case to a grand jury, where outcomes could be influenced by his control over the process.
“These police officers are heroes who saved lives. Whatever the DA does, I will have the final say in the fate of these police officers,” Gov. Greg Abbott, a Republican, wrote on X.
The shooting occurred at Buford’s, a renowned downtown beer garden. Officials have identified the suspect as Ndiaga Diagne, a 53-year-old Senegalese national and U.S. citizen residing in Pflugerville. According to four law enforcement sources, he was wearing a sweatshirt emblazoned with “Property of Allah” and an undershirt featuring an Iranian flag design. The motive for the attack is still under investigation, with terrorism as a potential angle. The incident followed U.S. military strikes on Iran the previous day.
Matt Lavietes, an NBC News reporter, provided the details of the event.
