Austin, Texas – A shooting in downtown Austin early Sunday left three people dead and 14 wounded, prompting a large-scale investigation into a potential act of terrorism. Police identified the gunman as Ndiaga Diagne, a 53-year-vintage naturalized U.S. Citizen originally from Senegal, who was fatally shot by responding officers.
The shooting unfolded shortly before 2 a.m. Outside Buford’s Backyard Beer Garden on West Sixth Street, a popular entertainment district. According to Austin Police Chief Lisa Davis, officers were responding to reports of gunfire when they encountered Diagne, who opened fire. Three officers returned fire, killing the suspect. Witnesses described a chaotic scene as the gunman initially fired from an SUV while circling the block, then continued shooting on foot.
Investigators are focusing on potential motivations, with the FBI stating there were “indicators…that indicate potential nexus to terrorism,” according to Acting Special Agent Alex Dorn. Federal law enforcement sources revealed the suspect was wearing a sweatshirt with the word “Allah” on it and an undershirt featuring the Iranian flag. A search warrant executed at Diagne’s Pflugerville, Texas, home uncovered an Iranian flag and pictures of Iranian leaders, according to an official with direct knowledge of the investigation. A Quran was also found in the suspect’s vehicle, sources told CBS News.
Diagne arrived in the U.S. In 2000 on a tourist visa, received a green card in 2006 and became a naturalized citizen in 2013, according to sources. He had previously resided in New York before moving to Texas. Investigators are examining whether Diagne self-radicalized and are probing potential ties to international terrorism, though sources also noted the suspect had a history of mental health episodes in Austin. The Joint Terrorism Task Force (JTTF), comprising the FBI, ATF, Austin police, and state police, is leading the investigation, including a review of the suspect’s background and online activity.
The shooting occurred the day after a U.S.-Israel military operation in Iran resulted in the death of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. While authorities have not established a direct link between the two events, the timing has heightened scrutiny of potential retaliatory motives.
Fourteen people were hospitalized following the shooting, with three listed in critical condition, according to Austin-Travis County EMS Chief Robert Luckritz. Paramedics and officers arrived on the scene within 57 seconds of receiving the initial call at 1:39 a.m., Luckritz said, potentially saving lives.
Texas Governor Greg Abbott has directed the Texas Military Department to activate service members under Operation Fury Shield and has increased patrols and surveillance by the Texas Department of Public Safety and the Texas National Guard in downtown Austin. “Texas will respond with decisive and overwhelming force to protect our state,” Abbott stated. President Trump has also been briefed on the situation, according to White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt.
The investigation remains ongoing, with authorities continuing to gather evidence and interview witnesses. Austin police are asking anyone with information, including videos, to submit it online or call 512-974-TIPS. The National Counterterrorism Center (NCTC) is working with local and federal partners to assess any potential foreign terrorist connections, with representatives maintaining constant communication with the ODNI’s 24/7 operations center in Washington, D.C.
