Austin Shooting Investigated as Possible Terrorism, Comes After Iran Strikes
AUSTIN, Texas (AP) – Authorities in Austin, Texas, are investigating a shooting early Sunday that left two people dead and 14 injured as a potential act of terrorism, following a day after the United States and Israel launched attacks against Iran. The FBI is leading the investigation, citing “indications” found with the shooter and in his vehicle.
The shooting occurred shortly before 2 a.m. near the Buford’s Backyard Beer Garden on Sixth Street, a popular entertainment district. Police responded quickly to the scene, engaging the shooter within minutes of the first 911 call, according to Austin Police Chief Lisa Davis.
The suspect, identified as 53-year-old Ndiaga Diagne, was fatally shot by police. Investigators say Diagne fired a handgun from his vehicle into a crowd on the patio and in front of the bar before exiting the vehicle and continuing to shoot with a rifle.
Witnesses and investigators reported Diagne was wearing a sweatshirt with the inscription “Property of Allah” and a t-shirt displaying the Iranian flag.
The attack comes on the heels of a joint U.S.-Israeli military operation targeting Iran, resulting in the death of Ayatollah Ali Jamenei. The timing has prompted investigators to explore a potential connection.
“It’s still too early to come to a conclusion on that,” said Alex Doran, the FBI’s special agent in charge of the San Antonio field office.
Diagne was originally from Senegal and had become a naturalized U.S. citizen in 2006, according to sources familiar with the investigation.
Austin Mayor Kirk Watson praised the swift response of law enforcement and emergency personnel, stating they “undoubtedly saved lives.” One victim was found deceased between two parked cars, while the bar itself was left with overturned tables and abandoned drinks.
The incident is under active investigation, and authorities have not released further details regarding a potential motive.
The shooting is the latest in a series of high-profile gun violence incidents across the United States, prompting renewed calls for stricter gun control measures.
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