The individual allegedly responsible for the deadly Texas bar shooting, now under investigation as a potential terror attack, has been officially identified as 53-year-old Ndiaga Diagne. Diagne, a naturalised US citizen originally from Senegal in West Africa, stands accused of unleashing a barrage of bullets at Buford's bar in Austin's bustling Entertainment District shortly before 2am on Sunday, according to law enforcement officials.
Details of the Attack and Aftermath
The alleged shooter, who previously resided in the Bronx borough of New York City, did not enter the establishment. Instead, police report he fired upon innocent patrons from the street using a pistol and an AR-style rifle after arriving outside the crowded venue in an SUV. This horrifying incident resulted in two fatalities and fourteen individuals wounded. In total, seventeen people were shot, with three victims remaining hospitalised in critical condition. The identities of these victims have not yet been disclosed to the public.
Police Response and Suspect's Demise
Austin Police Chief Lisa Davis detailed that after shooting at people on the bar's patio and in front of the building, the suspect drove approximately two blocks away. He then exited his vehicle and began firing at pedestrians. When officers from the Austin Police Department responded to emergency calls reporting the shooting, they encountered the suspect moving towards them. In response, the officers opened fire, ultimately killing him at the scene.
Investigating Potential Terrorist Motives
Investigators have confirmed to media outlets that items recovered from the gunman, including a shirt inscribed with the phrase 'Property of Allah' and a Quran found inside his car, have prompted authorities to examine whether his alleged actions were ideologically driven. There is growing speculation that the attack may have been triggered by the recent United States military strikes in Iran, which occurred just hours prior to the shooting.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stated that former President Donald Trump had been briefed on the Austin shooting. In a related communication, she noted that Trump had also engaged in discussions with several Middle Eastern leaders on Sunday. This context is significant as, following the death of Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei in the US strikes, Iranian officials had vowed retaliation against the United States.
Suspect's Background and Criminal History
It has subsequently been revealed that Ndiaga Diagne has a documented history of mental illness and a record of arrests within the state of Texas. Additionally, he possesses a criminal history in New York City, according to sealed records held by the New York City Police Department. Diagne originally entered the United States in the year 2000, residing in New York City until 2008. Public records also list two separate home addresses for him in San Antonio.
Official photographs released depict Diagne wearing a grey hoodie emblazoned with the words 'Property of Allah' while apparently holding a firearm on the day of the shooting. The potential terror connection is being scrutinised intensively, especially given that the shooting took place mere hours after the US-led strikes against Iran. Officials had previously warned that such actions could heighten the threat of retaliation from terror cells.
Scene Description and Emergency Response
Disturbing footage circulated on social media platforms showed a substantial police presence at the location, with a shirtless individual lying deceased in the street. Another harrowing video clip captured party-goers inside the bar crouching in fear as police arrived, followed by additional gunshots indicating the gunman had opened fire again upon law enforcement's arrival before being neutralised.
Videos posted online reveal that Buford's bar was densely packed moments before the shooting commenced, with a large crowd of revellers on the dancefloor when the gunman initiated his attack. Officials confirmed during a press conference that police and paramedic units were stationed nearby as part of routine weekend operations in Austin's entertainment district. Paramedics arrived on the scene an astonishing fifty-seven seconds after the shooting began.
Official Statements and Ongoing Investigation
Authorities have not provided any definitive indication regarding the gunman's precise motive or the specific events leading up to the shooting. Chief Davis described the episode as a 'tragic, tragic incident' and commended the bravery of the responding officers who confronted an armed individual. Austin Mayor Kirk Watson expressed profound gratitude for the rapid response of public safety officials, asserting that their swift actions undoubtedly saved lives.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation is now actively investigating to determine if this deadly shooting was ideologically motivated and potentially connected to the recent US military actions in Iran. The probe continues as the community grapples with the aftermath of this violent event.
