Austin bar shooter possibly motivated by Iran strikes as FBI probes after 2 killed, 14 injured

AUSTIN, TEXAS: Authorities are investigating a mass shooting at a popular Austin bar, where a gunman reportedly had items suggesting a connection to recent US strikes on Iran. The attack left two dead and 14 others injured before local police fatally shot the suspect.

The FBI is examining whether the rampage was ideologically motivated, with early evidence pointing to a potential retaliatory motive.

Austin bar shooter possibly motivated by Iran attacks

Sources familiar with the case told New York Post that the suspect, identified as 53-year-old Ndiaga Diagne, a naturalized US citizen born in Senegal who previously lived in New York City, was wearing a hoodie with the phrase “Property of Allah” and may have had an undershirt displaying the Iranian flag.

Authorities also recovered a Quran from his vehicle, prompting federal investigators to treat the shooting as a possible act of extremist violence.

“Obviously it’s still early to determine the exact motivation, but indicators at the scene and in the vehicle point to a potential ideological link,” said Alex Doran, acting Special Agent in charge of the FBI’s San Antonio office.

How the shooting unfolded in Austin

The attack occurred around 2 am at Buford’s Backyard Beer Garden near the University of Texas-Austin campus. Police said Diagne circled the area several times in an SUV before opening fire on patrons. He first fired from inside his vehicle before exiting and continuing the assault on pedestrians nearby.

Austin officers confronted Diagne at a nearby intersection within less than a minute of the first shots being fired. Diagne and two victims died at the scene, while 14 others were transported to hospitals, three in critical condition. 

Governor Abbott issues warning as suspect’s history emerges

Records indicate Diagne arrived in the US in 2000 on a tourist visa and later became a permanent resident through marriage in 2006. In response to the attack and its potential links to international events, Texas Governor Greg Abbott warned that any threats inspired by overseas conflicts would be met with decisive action.

“This act of violence will not define us, nor will it shake the resolve of Texans. Any attempt to use international tensions to threaten our state will be met with overwhelming force,” Abbott said.

Authorities continue to investigate Diagne’s background and any potential links to extremist networks, while the FBI explores whether the recent US strikes on Iran were a motivating factor.