New York: Savitha Shan, a 21-year-old Indian-American honors student at the University of Texas, was among three people killed in a mass shooting in Austin’s West Sixth Street entertainment district last Sunday.
The gunman, identified as 53-year-old Ndiaga Diagne, was shot dead by Austin police at the scene. The other victims were 19-year-old Ryder Harrington and 30-year-old Jorge Pederson. Fourteen others were injured in the attack.
The shooting took place at Buford’s Backyard Beer Garden, a popular nightlife spot, and authorities are investigating the incident, reviewing thousands of hours of video and interviewing more than 150 witnesses. Reports indicate the suspect was wearing a sweatshirt emblazoned with an Iranian flag and the words “Property of Allah."
Shan was pursuing dual degrees in Management Information Systems and Economics, serving on the executive board of the Indian Students Association and volunteering for the Austin Tamil Sangam, as per her LinkedIn profile.
Savitha’s parents issued a statement which began: “It is with profound grief and immeasurable sorrow that we announce the tragic loss of our beloved daughter, Savitha in the recent terrorist attack. She was 21 years of age and our only child. Our hearts are broken beyond words,” according to ABC News’ local news outlet KVUE.
Owing to the student’s Tamilian heritage, Tamil organisations across North America are grieving the unforeseen tragedy. Acknowledging Shan and her family’s deep engagement in community service, the Federation of Tamil Sangams of North America issued a statement, saying, “Ms. Savitha and her family are passionate about community service. In particular, they continue to volunteer at the Austin Tamil Sangam, a member organization of Federation of Tamil Sangams of North America (FeTNA).”
