Dunleavy joins Republican governors urging Schumer to fund DHS after Austin mass shooting by naturalized citizen

By SUZANNE DOWNING

March 5, 2026 – Alaska Gov. Mike Dunleavy joined more 20 other Republican governors this week in urging Sen. Chuck Schumer and his Senate Democrats to immediately pass funding for the United States Department of Homeland Security following a deadly mass shooting in downtown Austin that is being investigated for possible terrorism links.

In a letter addressed to Senate Minority Leader Schumer, the governors warned that a partial federal shutdown affecting DHS could undermine national security efforts at a time when the country faces evolving threats.

“We write to you as Governors deeply concerned about public safety across the nation following the tragic mass shooting in Austin, Texas, which left three dead and 14 injured,” the governors wrote. “This incident, currently under FBI investigation for potential terrorism links, highlights the urgent need for a fully funded Department of Homeland Security.”

Senate Democrats have blocked DHS funding for more than two weeks amid disputes over immigration policy changes.

“For over two weeks, Senate Democrats have blocked DHS funding amid a partial government shutdown over demands for immigration enforcement reforms,” the governors wrote. “The safety and security of the American people should never be used as a political pawn.”

The March 1 attack occurred in Austin’s entertainment district shortly before 2 am outside Buford’s Backyard Beer Garden. Police say the gunman, identified as 53-year-old Ndiaga Diagne, a Senegalese man who lived in nearby Pflugerville, opened fire with both a pistol and rifle after initially shooting from an SUV.

Three people were killed and at least 14 others were wounded before officers from the Austin Police Department confronted and shot the man within roughly a minute of the first emergency calls.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation is leading the investigation and has said there are indicators the shooting may have been motivated by extremist ideology.

According to investigators, Diagne, originally from Senegal and later a naturalized US citizen, had a history of mental health issues. Authorities reported that he was wearing clothing bearing religious and political imagery during the attack, and investigators reportedly found photographs of Iranian leaders among items connected to him. His sweatshirt worn during the attack said “Property of Allah.”

Authorities identified the victims who died as Ryder Harrington, 19, a student at Texas Tech University; Savitha Shan, 21, a senior at University of Texas at Austin who was set to graduate in May; and Jorge Pederson, 30.

The incident has intensified debate in Washington over immigration policy and national security. More than 70 Republican members of the Texas House sent their own letter to congressional leaders this week arguing the shooting exposed failures in federal vetting policies. The lawmakers called for fully funding DHS, pausing certain visa programs, and tightening immigration screening procedures.

Texas leaders including Gov. Greg Abbott and Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick also renewed calls for stronger federal enforcement following the attack. Abbott ordered increased patrols statewide and deployed members of the Texas National Guard as a precaution.

The governors point to the Austin shooting as an example of why DHS must remain fully operational.

“A fully funded Department of Homeland Security ensures our national security and public safety,” the governors wrote. “It protects the American people from threats within our borders and beyond.”

In addition to Dunleavy, the letter was signed by governors from Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Louisiana, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, North Dakota, Oklahoma, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah and West Virginia.

Congress has remained deadlocked over DHS funding since late February as Democrats have dug in their heels, unwilling to fund Homeland Security due to the enforcement of immigration laws.