A horrific shooting occurred early Sunday morning in the 6th Street entertainment district of Austin, leaving three people dead and 14 others injured. The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is currently working with local authorities to investigate the incident as a potential act of terrorism. Among those deceased at the scene, authorities confirmed the primary suspect of the attack.
Details of the Attack in the Downtown Entertainment District
According to reports from Austin Police Chief Lisa Davis, authorities received a report of a man opening fire outside Buford’s Backyard Beer Garden at approximately 1:40 AM. This occurred while the downtown area was crowded with weekend revelers. When police arrived at the scene, they confronted and fired back at the suspect, who died at the scene.
Austin EMS Director Robert Luckritz confirmed that 14 victims were transported for emergency treatment, despite reports of Waymo autonomous vehicles obstructing ambulances at the scene; three victims remain in critical condition. The Department of Homeland Security has identified the suspect as Ndiaga Diagne, 53, a naturalized U.S. citizen of Senegalese origin. He resided in Pflugerville, a suburb north of Austin.
Evidence and Signs of Extremism
Investigators stated the suspect used both a handgun and a rifle to carry out the attack, similar to the seizure of weapon caches from other dangerous shooters, though he only fired from outside and did not enter the bar. Notably, media images showed the suspect wearing a shirt with the words "Property of Allah" and an undershirt printed with the Iranian national flag. The FBI is working to clarify if the individual had ties to extremist organizations or motives related to the current situation in the Middle East, especially following recent warnings about terrorist sleeper cells in the U.S.
Although the bomb squad was deployed to inspect Diagne's vehicle after discovering suspicious items, officials confirmed no explosive devices were found inside. Currently, Texas Governor Greg Abbott has directed increased patrols statewide through an initiative called Operation Fury Shield. Abbott declared that Texas would respond with decisive and overwhelming force against any threats targeting the state's residents.
The incident remains under an expanded investigation to clarify the official motive. Austin city officials are calling for calm and urging the public to provide additional information if they have any clues regarding the suspect's movements before the event.
