A gunman who killed two people and wounded 14 others outside a bar in Austin early Sunday was wearing clothing bearing religious and political symbols, prompting FBI to investigate the attack as a possible act of terrorism.
Law enforcement officials identified the suspect as 53-year-old Ndiaga Diagne. Authorities said he was wearing a sweatshirt reading “Property of Allah” and another shirt featuring an Iranian flag design. The shooting occurred a day after Israeli and U.S. strikes on Iran that reportedly killed Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, raising concerns about a potential ideological motive.
Investigators said Diagne was originally from Senegal and became a naturalized U.S. citizen after arriving in the country in 2006. Officers shot and killed him at the scene after he opened fire using both a pistol and a rifle.
According to Austin Police Chief Lisa Davis, the suspect drove past the bar several times before stopping and firing from his SUV at people gathered on a patio and near the entrance. He then exited the vehicle with a rifle and continued shooting at pedestrians before officers confronted and fatally shot him within minutes of the first emergency call.
The shooting took place outside Buford’s Backyard Beer Garden just before 2 a.m. along Sixth Street, a busy nightlife corridor close to the University of Texas. University President Jim Davis said some of those affected were members of the school community and expressed condolences to the victims and their families.
FBI officials said “indicators” found on the suspect and inside his vehicle led them to explore terrorism as a possible motive, though they cautioned that it was too early to reach a final conclusion.
Austin Mayor Kirk Watson praised the rapid response of police and emergency crews, saying their actions prevented further loss of life. Witnesses described scenes of chaos inside the bar, with overturned tables and abandoned drinks as patrons fled for safety.
The attack adds to a growing list of violent incidents in entertainment districts across the United States. Police also reported a separate shooting at a nightclub and concert venue in Cincinnati early Sunday that left nine people wounded, though none of the injuries were life-threatening.
Authorities continue to investigate the Austin shooting as part of a broader review of security concerns following escalating tensions linked to the conflict involving Iran, Israel, and the United States.
