FBI Probes Deadly Austin Bar Shooting as Possible Terrorism After 2 Killed, 14 Injured/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Two people were killed and 14 injured in a shooting outside a busy Austin bar, with police fatally shooting the suspect at the scene. The FBI is investigating the attack as possible terrorism after authorities found indicators tied to extremist messaging. The shooting rattled the University of Texas community and prompted swift condemnation from state and federal officials.
Quick Look
- 2 killed, 14 injured in early-morning shooting outside a Sixth Street bar in Austin.
- Suspect shot and killed by police within minutes of the first 911 call.
- Gunman allegedly wore clothing with Iranian flag imagery and religious wording.
- FBI investigating as possible terrorism; motive not yet confirmed.
- Some victims have ties to the University of Texas at Austin.
- State and federal leaders briefed as investigation continues.
FBI Probes Deadly Austin Bar Shooting as Possible Terrorism After 2 Killed, 14 Injured
AUSTIN, Texas — Federal authorities are investigating a deadly shooting in Austin’s popular Sixth Street entertainment district as a potential act of terrorism after a gunman killed two people and wounded 14 others early Sunday.
Police shot and killed the suspect, who authorities identified as 53-year-old Ndiaga Diagne. According to the Department of Homeland Security, Diagne was originally from Senegal, entered the United States in 2000 on a tourist visa, became a lawful permanent resident in 2006 and was naturalized as a U.S. citizen in 2013.
Shooting Outside Popular Sixth Street Bar
The attack unfolded just before 2 a.m. outside Buford’s Backyard Beer Garden, a well-known bar along Sixth Street, a nightlife corridor near the University of Texas at Austin campus.
Austin Police Chief Lisa Davis said the suspect drove past the bar several times before stopping and firing from inside his SUV at patrons gathered on a patio and along the sidewalk. He then parked, exited the vehicle armed with a rifle and began shooting at pedestrians on the street.
Officers, already stationed nearby because of the area’s heavy weekend police presence, responded within about a minute of the first emergency call and fatally shot the suspect, Davis said.
Three of the 14 wounded victims remained in critical condition Sunday morning.
Suspect Wore Clothing With Iranian Flag Imagery
A law enforcement official told The Associated Press that the gunman was wearing clothing featuring an Iranian flag design and the words “Property of Allah.” Authorities said he used both a pistol and a rifle during the attack.
The shooting occurred one day after the United States and Israel launched military strikes on Iran, though officials have not established a direct connection between the overseas conflict and the violence in Austin.
Alex Doran, acting agent in charge of the FBI’s San Antonio field office, said investigators discovered “indicators” on the suspect and inside his vehicle that prompted the bureau to examine whether the shooting constituted domestic terrorism.
“It’s still too early to make a determination,” Doran said.
Witness: ‘It Was Full of College Students’
Nathan Comeaux, a 22-year-old senior at the University of Texas, said the bar was packed with college students at the time of the shooting.
“It was shoulder to shoulder, hundreds just enjoying their nights,” he said.
Comeaux had stepped away to a nearby food truck minutes before the gunfire began. At first, many thought the noise was fireworks or a motorcycle backfiring. He said he took cover behind a bench and later saw officers run toward the suspect before more shots rang out.
“I saw him turn his gun on police before they shot him,” Comeaux said.
University President Jim Davis said some of those injured were members of the university community, calling the incident devastating for the “Longhorn family.”
Political Leaders Respond
The White House said President Donald Trump had been briefed on the shooting.
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott warned that the state would act forcefully against anyone attempting to exploit Middle East tensions to threaten Texans.
Austin Mayor Kirk Watson praised the swift police response, saying officers and emergency crews “definitely saved lives.”
Scene Secured, Investigation Ongoing
By Sunday evening, several blocks around Sixth Street remained cordoned off with yellow police tape as local, state and federal authorities — including ATF agents — continued processing the scene.
Unmarked law enforcement vehicles and fire trucks moved in and out of the area as investigators gathered evidence.
The entertainment district has experienced other high-profile shootings in recent years, including a 2021 incident that left 14 people wounded. While Sunday’s attack does not meet the federal definition of a mass killing, it adds to a growing list of high-casualty shootings nationwide this year.
Authorities said the investigation remains active as they work to determine motive and whether additional charges or terrorism-related findings are warranted.
You must Register or Login to post a comment.