Authorities have identified 53-year-old Ndiaga Diagne as the gunman who turned a popular Austin entertainment district into a combat zone early Sunday morning.
The mass shooting occurred just before 2:00 a.m. on West 6th Street, a dense area known for its nightlife and crowded bars.
Two victims were pronounced dead at the scene, while 14 others were rushed to local hospitals with gunshot wounds.
The Austin Police Department (APD) reports that officers received the first calls of an active shooter at Buford’s bar at 1:59 a.m.
According to investigative leads, the suspect drove a large SUV around the block multiple times before the attack began.
Diagne allegedly activated his vehicle’s hazard flashers, rolled down a window, and fired a handgun into the crowd on the bar’s patio.
The suspect then parked his vehicle on Wood Street and exited carrying a rifle.
He continued to fire while walking eastbound until APD officers intercepted him at a nearby intersection.
Officers engaged the suspect and fatally shot him, ending the rampage that lasted only minutes but left a trail of devastation.
FBI Joins Probe Into Terrorism Nexus
The FBI’s San Antonio office has officially joined the investigation after discovering “indicators” of a potential link to terrorism.
While a definitive motive has not been declared, federal agents noted specific items found on the suspect and within his vehicle.
Journalist reports indicate that Diagne was wearing a sweater with the phrase “Property of Allah” printed on it.
Additional sources claim he wore an undershirt featuring the flag of Iran.
This attack follows a period of heightened global tension after U.S.-Israeli airstrikes in Iran claimed the life of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
Special Agent in Charge Alex Doran stated that digital forensics teams are currently “in lockstep” with local police to analyze the suspect’s electronics.
Who Was Ndiaga Diagne?
Ndiaga Diagne was a naturalized U.S. citizen originally from Senegal.
Records indicate he previously resided in New York City before moving to Pflugerville, Texas, a suburb just north of Austin.
Diagne was naturalized in 2013 and had reportedly applied for asylum in 2016.
The suspect was not unknown to law enforcement, as records show a history of prior arrests in both New York and Texas.
Investigators are now retracing his steps and communication logs to determine if he acted alone or was part of a broader cell.
A Rapid Response Amid Chaos
EMS Chief Robert Luckritz confirmed that first responders arrived at the scene within 57 seconds of the initial 911 call.
Triage teams treated a total of 17 patients on-site during the chaotic aftermath.
Three patients were transported in critical condition, and the death toll remains at two victims plus the suspect.
Austin Mayor Kirk Watson expressed his gratitude to the officers, stating their quick intervention prevented a much higher body count.
State and Local Leaders Respond
Texas Governor Greg Abbott issued a forceful statement on Sunday afternoon regarding the potential terror motivations.
Abbott warned that any attempt to use Middle Eastern conflicts to threaten Texas infrastructure would be met with “decisive and overwhelming force.”
The Governor emphasized that the state’s resolve would not be shaken by acts of targeted violence.
The Austin Police Department and FBI Evidence Response Teams remain on the scene as of Sunday evening.
The public is strictly advised to avoid the West 6th Street area to allow for the collection of ballistic and digital evidence.
