What Happened
In an early morning incident on Sunday, a gunman opened fire outside Buford's Bar in Austin, Texas, killing two people and injuring 14 others before he was shot dead by officers. The shooter, identified as 53-year-old Ndiaga Diagne, wore a sweatshirt emblazoned with "Property of Allah" and displayed an Iranian flag design. The shooting occurred on West Sixth Street, a popular nightlife destination in downtown Austin frequented by University of Texas students and others.
The Investigation
Authorities have launched a terrorism investigation into the shooting, citing "indicators" that suggest a possible nexus to terrorism. The FBI has not yet confirmed the motivation behind the attack, but Acting Special Agent Alex Doran stated that evidence found on Diagne and in his vehicle—including clothing with "Property of Allah" and Iranian flag designs, and photographs of Iranian leaders—indicated a potential nexus to terrorism. "It's still way too early in the process to determine an exact motivation," Doran stated, emphasizing the ongoing investigation into the shooter's motivations and connections.
Eyewitness Accounts
The gunman drove around the block multiple times, then activated his flashers and shot a pistol at customers on the bar's outdoor patio before parking on another street and firing a rifle at pedestrians, according to Austin Police Chief Lisa Davis. The first 911 call came around 1:58 a.m., and the first paramedic arrived within 57 seconds. Of the 14 injured, three remain in critical condition, according to EMS officials. Mayor Kirk Watson praised the rapid response of law enforcement, stating, "They definitely saved lives."
Local and National Reactions
Texas Governor Greg Abbott warned that Texas would respond forcefully to any threats tied to the Middle East conflict, though investigators have not confirmed such a link in this case. He directed state troopers to increase weekend patrols along Sixth Street, and stated, "To anyone who thinks about using the current conflict in the Middle East to threaten Texans or our critical infrastructure, understand this clearly: Texas will respond with decisive and overwhelming force to protect our state."
What's Next
As the investigation unfolds, the FBI's Joint Terrorism Task Force will continue to analyze evidence and conduct interviews to determine the shooter's motivations. Officials have not announced policy changes, saying the investigation remains in its early stages.
