Austin Police Honored by NRA After 6th Street Shooting Suspect Killed

Henry Repeating Arms Founder and CEO Anthony Imperato stands with three Austin Police Department officers honored for their actions in stopping the Sixth Street mass shooter in Austin last month, along with Pasadena hero Juan Lopez, during a special presentation at the National Friends of NRA Event in Houston on Friday, April 17, 2026.
Courtesy Henry USA

Three Austin Police Department officers who responded to the February mass shooting outside Buford’s bar on West Sixth Street, which left three people dead and 16 wounded, received honors at the National Friends of NRA event — a fundraiser for the National Rifle Association — in Houston.

The three officers — who remain unnamed as investigations into what became one of Austin's deadliest mass shootings are ongoing — were recognized by Henry Repeating Arms Founder and CEO Anthony Imperato.

Imperato, who founded the rifle and shotgun manufacturer, presented the three with Henry Law Enforcement Tribute Edition rifles for their prompt response to the deadly attack in the heart of Austin's entertainment district.

“When innocent people were under attack, these officers ran toward danger and helped bring a murderous rampage to an end,” Imperato said on stage to a crowd of nearly 1,000 attendees. “Their courage, professionalism and willingness to put themselves in harm’s way for complete strangers represent the very best of law enforcement and the very best of America.”

A growing memorial of flowers, candles and photographs honors the victims of the mass shooting outside Buford’s Backyard Beer Garden in Austin on Thursday, March 5, 2026. Ryder Harrington, 19; Savitha Shan, 21; and Jorge Pederson, 30, were killed in the shooting early Sunday. The gunman also died.
Jay Janner/Austin American-Statesman

The three officers shot and killed the suspect, Ndiaga Diagne, a Senegalese native who became a naturalized U.S. citizen in 2013.

Investigations into the shooting are ongoing. Authorities have not commented on a motive but said the 53-year-old was wearing clothing that bore an image of the Iranian flag and the words “Property of Allah.”

Law enforcement initially said the FBI was investigating the shooting as a possible act of terrorism but has not commented further on potential ties to terrorism.

The Friday presentation honored Americans who demonstrate “courage, selflessness and service to others.”

In addition to the three Austin police officers, the group also honored Juan Lopez, a Houston-area man who disarmed an active shooter at a Pasadena Memorial High School band competition in February 2025. Imperato presented Lopez with a Henry Texas Tribute Edition rifle.

In December, Lopez received the Carnegie Medal for Heroism, which honors those who “risked serious injury or death, or were killed, saving or attempting to save others in acts of extraordinary heroism.”