A Texas college student has been identified as one of the two victims fatally gunned down by a suspected terrorist at a popular Austin nightlife spot Sunday.
Tragic Ryder Harrington, who attended Texas Tech University, was described as a “beloved son, brother, and friend” on a GoFundMe page set up in his memory by his fraternity, which he joined in the fall.
Harrington’s “kindness and presence touched countless lives,’’ the touching tribute reads.
“From the moment he joined our brotherhood, he brought a light that was impossible to ignore.’’
Senegalese immigrant-turned-US citizen Ndiaga Diagne, 53, opened fire outside Buford’s Backyard Beer Garden around 2 a.m., just as the bar was getting ready to close.
The former New York City resident was wearing a “Property of Allah” sweatshirt and possibly pro-Iran clothing, and cops said they found a Quran in his SUV — evidence they say helps support their belief he launched his carnage to avenge the US attack on Iran.
Two people were killed, including Harrington and another as-yet-unidentified victim, and 14 more wounded before police killed Diagne after engaging him in a gun battle.
“Ryder had a rare ability to truly enjoy life to make people laugh, to make moments feel bigger, and to make ordinary days unforgettable,’’ his fraternity brothers wrote in the GoFundMe that has raised over $48,000 of its $50,000 goal.
“If anyone embodied what it meant to live fully and love deeply, it was Ryder.’’
Harrington also was mourned by Speaker of the Texas House Dustin Burrows, who said his death “hit especially close to home for our Team Burrows family,” without elaborating.
“Ryder was the brother-in-law of one of our own, and our hearts are aching alongside his loved ones,” Burrows wrote on X.
“Elisabeth and I are praying for Avery and Ryan, the entire Harrington family, and everyone who loved Ryder—the number appears to be countless. We ask that you lift them up as well.”
The former chancellor of the Texas Tech University System, Kent Hance, lauded the well-liked student on social media, too, and condemned his murderer.
“Ryder Harrington was murdered in Austin by a terrorist. Ryder was an outstanding young man,” Hance wrote on the platform. “I’ve talked to several people who knew him and everyone had nothing but praise for him and his character.
“May he rest in peace! Pray for his family.”
