It’s heartbreaking to hear that a rising MMA fighter lost his life in such a tragic shooting in Austin. A deadly mass shooting outside Buford's Backyard Beer Garden in the busy West Sixth Street area left three victims dead, including rising MMA fighter Jorge Pederson. The attack occurred early on March 1, 2026, in downtown Austin, one of the city's most popular nightlife districts.
Authorities say the gunman opened fire into a crowd gathered outside the bar, sparking chaos in the entertainment district. In total, three civilians were killed, and more than a dozen people were injured before police shot and killed the suspect at the scene.
Pederson, a 30-year-old fighter originally from Minnesota, later died after being taken off life support following the attack.
Investigators say the suspect initially fired a handgun from a vehicle before later using an AR-15-style rifle while moving through the area. The attack lasted only a few minutes before officers from the Austin Police Department confronted the shooter.
Police returned fire and killed the suspect shortly after arriving at the scene. Emergency crews then rushed victims to nearby hospitals while officers secured the entertainment district and began collecting evidence.
Federal authorities, including the FBI, are now examining whether the attack had extremist motives. Investigators noted that the suspect wore clothing referencing religious and political imagery connected to Iran, prompting a broader counter-terrorism investigation.
Officials say the suspect was not previously on federal watchlists, though authorities are reviewing his background and possible motivations.
Jorge Pederson, whose full name was Jorge Munoz-Pederson, was a 30-year-old mixed martial artist originally from Glenwood, Minnesota. He trained at The Academy in Brooklyn Center and had built a reputation as a hardworking and charismatic athlete.
Friends and coaches described him as energetic, talented, and deeply committed to improving as a fighter. Pederson had recently moved to Texas for a fresh start and was working in sales while continuing to pursue his MMA career.
He was also preparing for his professional MMA debut, which had been planned for May 2026 before the tragedy occurred.
Police later said the majority of victims were outside the bar when the gunfire began.
The promotion, Med City Fighting Championships, where Pederson had competed previously, described him as a “fantastic fighter” and a positive presence in the gym.
Friends and training partners also remembered him as someone who brought energy and humor to every training session. Many expressed shock that his life ended just weeks after he moved to Texas to pursue new opportunities.
The shooting remains under investigation as authorities continue analyzing evidence and reviewing witness statements. Federal investigators are working with local police to determine whether the attack was connected to extremist motivations or if the suspect acted alone.
Officials also released body-camera footage and emergency recordings showing the chaotic moments when officers responded to the attack. Authorities say the rapid police response likely prevented further casualties.
The tragedy has reignited concerns about safety in busy nightlife districts and the growing number of mass shootings across the United States.
Friends say Pederson had recently moved to Austin with optimism about the next chapter of his life. Instead, his journey was cut short by a sudden act of violence that shocked both the sports world and the wider public.
Today, teammates, family members, and fellow fighters continue honoring his memory through tributes, fundraisers, and messages of support, ensuring that the legacy of the Minnesota fighter lives on beyond the tragedy.
Authorities say the gunman opened fire into a crowd gathered outside the bar, sparking chaos in the entertainment district. In total, three civilians were killed, and more than a dozen people were injured before police shot and killed the suspect at the scene.
Pederson, a 30-year-old fighter originally from Minnesota, later died after being taken off life support following the attack.
What Happened During the Austin Shooting
The shooting began around 1:58 a.m. when the gunman drove past Buford’s Backyard Beer Garden and began firing at people gathered outside. Witnesses described panic as crowds tried to escape the gunfire in the packed nightlife area.
Investigators say the suspect initially fired a handgun from a vehicle before later using an AR-15-style rifle while moving through the area. The attack lasted only a few minutes before officers from the Austin Police Department confronted the shooter.
Police returned fire and killed the suspect shortly after arriving at the scene. Emergency crews then rushed victims to nearby hospitals while officers secured the entertainment district and began collecting evidence.
Who Was the Shooter
Authorities identified the gunman as 53-year-old Ndiaga Diagne, a Texas resident originally from Senegal. Investigators say he opened fire on crowds before being killed during a confrontation with police.Federal authorities, including the FBI, are now examining whether the attack had extremist motives. Investigators noted that the suspect wore clothing referencing religious and political imagery connected to Iran, prompting a broader counter-terrorism investigation.
Officials say the suspect was not previously on federal watchlists, though authorities are reviewing his background and possible motivations.
Who Was Jorge Pederson
Jorge Pederson, whose full name was Jorge Munoz-Pederson, was a 30-year-old mixed martial artist originally from Glenwood, Minnesota. He trained at The Academy in Brooklyn Center and had built a reputation as a hardworking and charismatic athlete.
Friends and coaches described him as energetic, talented, and deeply committed to improving as a fighter. Pederson had recently moved to Texas for a fresh start and was working in sales while continuing to pursue his MMA career.
He was also preparing for his professional MMA debut, which had been planned for May 2026 before the tragedy occurred.
Other Victims of the Shooting
Authorities confirmed two other victims who died in the attack:- Ryder Harrington, 19, a former Texas Tech University student
- Savitha Shan, 21, a business student at the University of Texas at Austin
Police later said the majority of victims were outside the bar when the gunfire began.
The Minnesota MMA Community Reacts
News of Pederson’s death spread quickly throughout the combat sports world. Fighters, coaches, and promoters across the Midwest shared tributes honoring his dedication and personality.The promotion, Med City Fighting Championships, where Pederson had competed previously, described him as a “fantastic fighter” and a positive presence in the gym.
Friends and training partners also remembered him as someone who brought energy and humor to every training session. Many expressed shock that his life ended just weeks after he moved to Texas to pursue new opportunities.
Investigation and Aftermath
The shooting remains under investigation as authorities continue analyzing evidence and reviewing witness statements. Federal investigators are working with local police to determine whether the attack was connected to extremist motivations or if the suspect acted alone.
Officials also released body-camera footage and emergency recordings showing the chaotic moments when officers responded to the attack. Authorities say the rapid police response likely prevented further casualties.
The tragedy has reignited concerns about safety in busy nightlife districts and the growing number of mass shootings across the United States.
Remembering Jorge Pederson
For the MMA community, the loss of Jorge Pederson represents more than just a headline about violence. He was a fighter on the verge of turning professional and someone many believed had a bright future in the sport.Friends say Pederson had recently moved to Austin with optimism about the next chapter of his life. Instead, his journey was cut short by a sudden act of violence that shocked both the sports world and the wider public.
Today, teammates, family members, and fellow fighters continue honoring his memory through tributes, fundraisers, and messages of support, ensuring that the legacy of the Minnesota fighter lives on beyond the tragedy.
