Investigators are examining whether the suspect in a deadly mass shooting in Austin, Texas, was motivated by recent U.S. and Israeli military strikes on Iran, multiple law enforcement officials said, cautioning that it is too early to determine a definitive motive.
Two people were killed and 14 others wounded early Sunday in Austin’s busy Sixth Street entertainment district before the suspect was shot and killed by police.
The Austin Police Department identified the gunman as Ndiaga Diagne, a 53-year-old U.S. citizen originally from Senegal. Officials said he became a naturalized citizen in 2013 and had lived in multiple Texas addresses.
Possible Terror Nexus Under Review
At a Sunday news conference, Federal Bureau of Investigation officials said indicators at the scene suggested a “potential nexus to terrorism,” though they emphasized the investigation remains in its early stages.
Authorities said Diagne was wearing a hoodie reading “Property of Allah” and a shirt featuring an Iranian flag design. Law enforcement sources said investigators are reviewing his electronic devices and prior mental health encounters to determine whether he consumed extremist propaganda or left behind writings outlining his intent.
The FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force has joined the investigation.
Shooting Unfolded in Entertainment District
The attack began outside Buford’s Backyard Beer Garden near West Sixth and Rio Grande streets, an area packed with bars and live music venues close to the University of Texas at Austin.
According to Austin Police Chief Lisa Davis, the suspect fired a pistol from an SUV into a crowd gathered outside the bar before driving a short distance, exiting the vehicle with a rifle and continuing to shoot at pedestrians.
Officers who were predeployed downtown for weekend patrols confronted the suspect within a minute. Three officers returned fire, fatally shooting him.
Authorities said the suspect had both a pistol and an assault-style rifle in his possession.
Rapid Emergency Response
Austin-Travis County EMS officials said more than 20 medical units responded. All critically injured victims were transported from the scene within 24 minutes.
Three of the wounded remain in critical condition, officials said.
A bomb squad searched the suspect’s vehicle after investigators observed items of concern inside, but authorities later determined there were no explosives.
Leaders Respond
Austin Mayor Kirk Watson praised first responders, saying their rapid actions “definitely saved lives.”
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott condemned the shooting and ordered increased patrols in the Sixth Street area, warning the state would respond aggressively to anyone attempting to use international conflicts to justify violence.
The investigation remains ongoing as authorities work to determine whether the attack was ideologically motivated or influenced by recent events overseas.