Who was Ryder Harrington? All you need to know about first victim of Texas Tech student

Ryder Harringtona 19-year-old student at Texas Tech Universityhas been identified as one of the two victims killed in a shooting outside Buford’s Backyard Beer Garden in Austin early Sunday morning. His identity was confirmed by his father, Michael Harrington, during a brief phone call on Monday. The incident occurred shortly before 2 a.m. near the popular nightlife venue, located a short distance from the University of Texas at Austin campus. Federal authorities are investigating the shooting as a possible act of terrorism. Officials identified the gunman as Ndiaga Diagne, a 53-year-old naturalized American citizen originally from Senegal, who was killed by police at the scene.

Who was Ryder Harrington?

Originally from Austin, Harrington was pursuing his studies in Lubbock and had recently joined the Beta Theta Pi fraternity chapter at Texas Tech in the fall of 2024. In a social media statement, the fraternity described him as a beloved son, brother, and friend whose kindness and presence had touched countless lives. The tribute noted that he brought a light to the brotherhood from the moment he joined and had a rare ability to enjoy life, make people laugh, and turn ordinary days into unforgettable memories. A candlelight vigil was scheduled for Monday evening in his honor. His older brother, Reed Harrington, shared on social media that Ryder represented the best qualities of their family and reflected that the world had lost a promising future far too soon.

Austin Bar Shooting Leaves Community Mourning as Investigation Continues

The shooting unfolded as Buford’s Backyard Beer Garden was preparing to close for the night. In addition to the two fatalities, at least 14 individuals were injured. According to a statement from St. David’s HealthCarefive of those hospitalized had been discharged by Sunday, while two others were reported to be in good condition. Three individuals were previously listed in critical condition, though updated details on the remaining injured were not immediately available.

One of the injured, Karan Bhakta, a 21-year-old senior at the University of Texas at Austin, stated that he had been spending time with friends when a bullet grazed his scalp. He received treatment for minor injuries at Ascension Seton Medical Center. Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident as the Austin and Texas Tech communities reflect on the life and legacy of Ryder Harrington.