Austin Bar Shooting Suspect Wore 'Property of Allah' Sweatshirt and Iranian Flag, FBI Investigates Terrorism Links
The gunman who opened fire at a packed Austin bar early Sunday, killing three people and injuring 14 others, was wearing a sweatshirt emblazoned with the phrase "Property of Allah" and another shirt featuring an Iranian flag design, according to a law enforcement official. The suspect, identified as 53-year-old Ndiaga Diagne, carried out the attack at Buford's Backyard Beer Garden in the city's entertainment district just before 2 a.m., using both a pistol and a rifle before being fatally shot by responding officers.
FBI Probes Potential Terrorism Motive in Deadly Rampage
The Federal Bureau of Investigation is now actively investigating whether the violent rampage constitutes an act of terrorism. Alex Doran, the acting agent in charge of the FBI's San Antonio office, stated that "indicators" found on the gunman and within his vehicle prompted the terrorism inquiry, though specific details about these items were not disclosed. "It's still too early to make a determination on that," Doran emphasized during a Sunday briefing, highlighting the ongoing nature of the investigation.
Chilling Details Emerge About the Attack Sequence
Austin Police Chief Lisa Davis provided harrowing details at a news conference, explaining that the suspect initially drove past the bar multiple times before stopping and firing a pistol from his SUV window at patrons on the patio and in front of the establishment. The gunman then parked his vehicle, exited with a rifle, and began shooting at people walking in the vicinity. Officers who were already nearby responded rapidly to reports of gunfire, ultimately confronting and neutralizing the suspect at the intersection.
Swift Emergency Response Praised Amid Tragedy
The shooting occurred along Sixth Street, a bustling nightlife area filled with bars and music venues located just a few miles from the University of Texas. EMS Chief Robert Luckritz confirmed that emergency workers arrived at the scene in less than a minute after receiving distress calls. Three victims were pronounced dead at the location, while 14 others sustained injuries, with three of those wounded admitted to regional hospitals in critical condition. Austin Mayor Kirk Watson commended the swift response, stating, "Our hearts go out to the people that are victims of this. And I want to again reiterate my thanks to our public safety officers and officials that so rapidly were on the scene. They definitely saved lives."
The investigation continues as authorities work to uncover the full motives behind this devastating incident, with the FBI's terrorism probe adding a significant layer of scrutiny to the case.
