Two Dead and Dozens Injured in Austin Shooting; FBI Probing Possible Terror Link
At least two people have died and more than a dozen were injured in a shooting outside a beer garden in Austin, Texas, in an attack the FBI says may be linked to terrorism.
U.S. media, including CBS News, report that the suspected shooter has been identified as Ndiaga Diagne, a naturalised American citizen originally from Senegal.
Police were called to the scene near Buford’s Bar just after 2:00 a.m. local time on Sunday (08:00 GMT) following reports of an active shooter. Officers engaged the suspect and shot him dead, bringing the total number of deaths to three.
Authorities have not publicly released a motive, and the suspect’s identity has not yet been formally confirmed by police. Fourteen people wounded in the incident were taken to hospital, with three in critical condition.
Two sources familiar with the investigation told CBS News that the gunman was wearing a sweatshirt bearing the phrase “Property of Allah.”
Officials also told CBS that officers searching the suspect’s home found an Iranian flag and photos of Iranian leaders. The attack took place the same weekend that U.S. and Israeli forces carried out strikes on Iran, including a strike that killed Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
Austin Police Chief Lisa Davis said officers patrolling the busy bar district on East Sixth Street quickly responded to reports of a gunman at Buford’s Bar on West Sixth Street.
According to Davis, a man driving a large SUV pulled over near the bar, turned on his hazard lights, rolled down his window, and fired a pistol, hitting people on the patio and sidewalk. He then parked the vehicle, exited with a rifle, and began walking back toward the bar. Three officers confronted him at a nearby intersection and shot him dead.
Authorities searched the SUV and confirmed it did not contain explosives. However, Acting Special Agent in Charge Alex Doran of the FBI’s San Antonio office said there were indications linking the vehicle and suspect to potential terrorism. Doran cautioned that the investigation is still in its early stages and declined to provide further details, but assured the public, “We are committed to seeing this process through to the very end.”
Eyewitness Kelson Lee, 25, recounted the scene to the Austin Current. “I saw about seven to eight bodies on the floor,” he said. “No one should ever have to see that. I kind of blacked out… I felt helpless because I wanted to help people.”
Of the 14 people taken to hospital, three were reported in critical condition, according to Austin-Travis County Emergency Management Services head Rob Luckritz.
The incident drew swift attention from national leaders. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed that President Donald Trump had been notified. Senator Ted Cruz condemned the attack on social media, calling it a “senseless act of violence,” and expressed gratitude for law enforcement’s rapid response.
Davis praised the quick action of police and emergency responders, noting that the increased weekend presence in the entertainment district allowed officers to reach the scene almost immediately. Austin Mayor Kirk Watson confirmed the response time was just 57 seconds, adding, “They definitely saved lives.”
Texas Governor Greg Abbott vowed that the attack “will not define us, nor will it shake the resolve of Texans.”
The shooting occurred near the heart of Austin’s downtown, close to the Texas State Capitol and the University of Texas, which is less than two miles (3.2 km) from Buford’s. The area, popular with students and locals, sees heavy foot traffic on weekends.
University of Texas President Jim Davis offered condolences in a statement: “Our prayers are with the victims and all those impacted, including members of our Longhorn family. My heart goes out to their families, friends, classmates, professors, and loved ones.”