The gunman who opened fire at a Texas bar has been identified as Ndiaga Diagne, an ex-New York resident. Diagne, 53, who was originally from Senegal was wearing a shirt reading "Property of Allah" may have been an Islamic extremist motivated by recent U.S. strikes on Iran.
The shooting took place in the early hours of Sunday at an Austin bar, where two people were killed and at least 14 others were injured before officers shot and killed the suspect after officers returned fire. FBI officials said at a press conference on Sunday that the unidentified suspect was found with materials that "were indications of a potential nexus to terrorism."
Face of Terrorism
FBI officials said at a press conference on Sunday that Diagne was found with materials that "were indications of a potential nexus to terrorism." Police sources said Diagne may have been driven by anger over U.S. strikes on Iran.
Diagne was found with a Quran in his vehicle and was wearing what sources described as "Islamic" clothing during the attack. Reporter Bill Melugin said investigators determined the shooter was wearing a shirt that read "Property of Allah," and may also have had on an undershirt or T-shirt displaying an Iranian flag or other Iranian symbols.
Diagne reportedly had a prior arrest record in Texas and is believed to have lived in New York City between 2000 and 2008.
The shooting took place just before 2 a.m. Sunday at Buford's on West Sixth Street in Austin's Entertainment District.
Austin Police Chief Lisa Davis said Diagne never went inside the bar, instead firing at people from the street using both a handgun and a rifle.
Seventeen people were shot in total. Fourteen were taken to the hospital, while three were pronounced dead at the scene. Three of those hospitalized remain in critical condition.
US on High Alert
Davis called the shooting a "tragic, tragic incident" and commended the courage of officers who rushed in despite being "faced with an individual with a gun." Kirk Watson also expressed gratitude for the rapid response, saying he was "very thankful for the speed with which our public safety officials responded to this... I don't think there's any question that it saved lives."
Videos shared on social media showed a large police presence at the scene, with a shirtless person lying dead in the street. Other footage captured people inside the bar crouching in fear as officers arrived, followed by additional gunshots—suggesting the suspect fired again before being shot and killed by police.
Authorities have not yet released the identities of the victims.
Officials said at a press conference that police officers and paramedics were already positioned near the bar as part of standard weekend safety measures in Austin's entertainment district.
