A horrific mass shooting unfolded early Sunday morning in downtown Austin, Texas, when 53-year-old Ndiaga Diagne opened fire on a crowd outside a popular bar, killing two people and wounding 14 others before being fatally shot by police officers.
Chilling video footage captured the chaotic moments as Diagne, a naturalized U.S. citizen originally from Senegal, unleashed gunfire using both a pistol and a rifle. The attack occurred just before 2 a.m. outside Buford’s Backyard Beer Garden on West Sixth Street, a bustling nightlife district filled with bars and clubs near the University of Texas campus. Panicked screams and cries of “Oh god” and “What is going on?” filled the air as bystanders reacted to the sudden barrage of shots.
Diagne, who had been living in Pflugerville, Texas, was identified by federal sources and the Austin Police Department. He became a U.S. citizen in 2013 during the Obama administration, having entered the country earlier on a tourist visa. Law enforcement recovered material from his person and vehicle that provided possible indications of a nexus to terrorism, prompting the FBI to announce an active investigation.
Alex Doran, the FBI’s acting special agent in charge at the San Antonio field office, addressed the potential terrorist link during a press briefing. He stated that it was still too early to determine an exact motivation, but indicators on the subject and in his vehicle suggested a potential nexus to terrorism. The investigation is being conducted closely with partners including the Austin Police Department, and the Joint Terrorism Task Force has been engaged, involving federal, state, and local agencies. Officials emphasized that they are not yet prepared to classify it definitively as a specific type of terrorism, but are examining it very closely as a potential act of terrorism.
Reports from law enforcement sources indicate that Diagne was wearing a sweater with the phrase “Property of Allah” and an undershirt featuring the Iranian flag printed on it during the attack.
The incident comes amid heightened regional tensions following recent events involving Iran, including missile strikes and uncertainty over leadership in Tehran. In related commentary from the region, an international diplomatic editor noted strong condemnations from Gulf states like Saudi Arabia following attacks on tourist areas, with foreign ministers issuing statements condemning Iran’s actions and asserting their right to take necessary measures to protect their stability and security. The editor highlighted concerns over unclear leadership and control in Iran, particularly regarding military actions, and the uncertainty about who holds real power in Tehran. Gulf countries expressed worries about potential escalation and emphasized defensive measures if attacks continue, while diplomatic channels remain active but uncertain in their effectiveness.
Authorities continue to investigate the motive behind the shooting, with no final determination yet on whether it was linked to broader geopolitical events or extremist influences. The community remains in shock as officials urge the public to stay vigilant while the probe unfolds.