In the early morning hours of March 1, a gunman opened fire outside Buford’s Backyard Beer Garden on West Sixth Street, killing three people and injuring more than a dozen others before police ultimately shot and killed him.
Authorities identified the suspect as 53-year-old Ndiaga Diagne, who witnesses say began firing from his vehicle before continuing the attack on foot with a rifle as crowds fled in panic.
Photos circulating after the attack appeared to show the gunman wearing a gray hoodie reading “Property of Allah” along with a shirt bearing an Iranian flag design.
But for gun rights advocates, the most important fact about the tragedy is this:
The attack happened in an area where Texas law effectively disarms law-abiding citizens.
Under Texas’ controversial “51% rule,” establishments that derive 51% or more of their revenue from alcohol sales must post a red sign prohibiting licensed gun owners from carrying firearms inside.
Critics say that policy turns bars, clubs, and entertainment districts into “sitting duck slaughter zones.”
Because while criminals ignore the sign…
Law-abiding Texans are forced to obey it.
“Every time the government declares a gun-free zone, they’re really just declaring a victim zone,” said Texas Gun Rights President Chris McNutt.
“Criminals don’t care about a red sign on a wall. But that sign ensures every law-abiding Texan inside that building is disarmed and defenseless.”
Texas Gun Rights Already Working on Repeal
Even before the Austin attack, Texas Gun Rights had begun working with lawmakers to eliminate these zones.
In 2025, it worked with Rep. Nate Schatzline to start attacking these dangerous laws with HB 1908.
And the organization confirmed it is already collaborating with State Rep. Wes Virdell and State Rep. Mitch Little to prepare legislation that would repeal the 51% prohibition during the 90th Texas Legislative Session in 2027.
Supporters of the effort say responsible Texans should never lose their ability to defend themselves simply because they enter a business that serves alcohol — particularly if they themselves are not drinking.
“No Texan should have to choose between enjoying a night out and being able to defend their life,” McNutt said.
“The 51% law creates sitting duck slaughter zones, and tragedies like what happened in Austin prove exactly why it needs to be repealed.”
A Fight Ahead in Austin
Efforts to repeal Texas’ gun-free zones will almost certainly face opposition from the gun confiscation lobby and their allies in the Legislature.
But Texas Gun Rights says the principle is simple:
When seconds count, Texans should not be forced by state law to remain defenseless.
“Gun-free zones are the preferred hunting grounds of mass killers,” McNutt said. “And until Texas removes these zones, innocent people will continue paying the price.”
With the 2027 legislative session already on the horizon, the battle over the 51% rule is shaping up to be one of the most significant Second Amendment fights in Austin.
And Texas Gun Rights says it intends to lead that fight.
Chip in to Texas Gun Rights today to help eliminate gun-free zones and defend the Second Amendment in Texas.
