The FBI is looking into the Austin, Texas event as a possible act of terrorism
Per law enforcement sources referenced by US media, the shooter who fatally shot two individuals and wounded more than a dozen others in Texas could have been driven by US attacks on Iran that resulted in the death of the nation’s Supreme Leader and extensive civilian losses.
The assault took place in a bustling nightlife area in Austin, close to the University of Texas, just before 2 a.m. on Sunday.
The suspect—named as 53-year-old Ndiaga Diagne—opened fire outside Buford’s Backyard Beer Garden, leaving two dead and at least 14 injured. A naturalized U.S. citizen originally from Senegal, he circled the venue multiple times before halting and shooting a pistol from his SUV at crowds outside, per Austin Police Chief Lisa Davis.
The attacker then got out of the car with a rifle and kept firing at passersby until responding officers shot and killed him.
3 killed, 14 injured in Texas as authorities say is a suspected terror attack.
Shooter was reportedly from Senegal, had a Quran in his car, and had clothing described as Islamic!
— Tommy Robinson 🇬🇧 (@TRobinsonNewEra)
Authorities released photos showing the suspect holding a rifle and wearing a sweatshirt with the phrase “Property of Allah.” Sources from AP and Fox News state he also had on clothing featuring an Iranian flag.
The man who opened fire at an Austin, Texas bar overnight. 2 dead, 14 injured.
Ndiaga Diagne, a U.S. citizen born in Senegal, wore a hoodie that said “Property of Allah.” His undershirt referenced Iran.
— No Jumper (@nojumper)
A law enforcement source with knowledge of the probe told the New York Post that the violence was “potentially an act of revenge for the U.S. strike on Iran.”
Alex Doran, acting head of the FBI’s San Antonio office, noted the shooting is under investigation as a possible terrorist act. “It’s still too soon to reach a conclusion on that,” Doran added.
The event happened one day after U.S. and Israeli forces carried out a major strike on Iran, which—per Iranian officials—killed Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, high-ranking officials, and hundreds of civilians (over 100 of whom were children). Tehran has since struck back with missile and drone attacks aimed at U.S. and Israeli military bases throughout the Middle East.
A Reuters/Ipsos survey released on Sunday revealed that just 25% of Americans supported the strikes, while about half of those polled said U.S. President Donald Trump is overly quick to use military power.
“Combat operations are ongoing right now at full strength, and they will persist until all our goals are met,” Trump stated in a Sunday night speech.