A 53-year-old gunman who opened fire at a popular Austin nightlife venue early Sunday morning was wearing clothing bearing religious and Iranian imagery, according to multiple reports, as federal and local authorities investigate what they describe as a potential nexus to terrorism.
The shooting occurred at Buford’s Backyard Beer Garden along Sixth Street in Austin. Police say the suspect drove up to the establishment shortly after midnight and began firing toward patrons gathered on the patio and near the entrance. Two victims were killed in the attack, and fourteen others were wounded. The suspect was shot and killed by responding officers less than a minute after police encountered him farther down Sixth Street.
The alleged gunman has been identified as Ndiaga Diagne, a 53-year-old naturalized U.S. citizen born in Senegal who became a citizen roughly a decade ago. According to CBS News and CNN, the suspect was wearing a shirt displaying the Iranian flag beneath a hoodie that read “Property of Allah.” Authorities also reported that a Quran was found inside the vehicle he drove to the scene. Investigators executing a search warrant at his home reportedly discovered an Iranian flag and images of Iranian leaders.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation said during an early Sunday press conference that evidence found on the suspect and in his vehicle indicates a possible connection to terrorism, though officials cautioned that it is too early to determine a definitive motive. FBI Acting Special Agent in Charge Alex Doran of the San Antonio field office stated that agents are working alongside the Austin Police Department to process evidence, including digital forensics.
Austin Police Chief Lisa Davis said the suspect initially fired into the crowd with a pistol before fleeing the immediate area. Officers encountered him shortly thereafter and engaged in a gunfight, fatally shooting him. Travis County EMS Chief Robert Luckritz confirmed that 17 individuals were injured in total, with 14 transported to area hospitals. Three of those victims were reported in critical condition.
President Donald Trump was briefed on the shooting, according to White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt. Texas Gov. Greg Abbott issued a statement offering condolences to the victims’ families and pledging state support for local authorities as the investigation continues.
Law enforcement officials have not yet publicly confirmed a motive, and investigators say they are examining all available evidence to determine whether the attack was ideologically driven or influenced by foreign actors. Authorities have urged the public to avoid speculation as the case develops.
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