A gunman wearing a sweatshirt emblazoned with "Property of Allah" opened fire at a bar in Austin, Texas, killing two people and wounding 14 before being fatally shot by police early Sunday.
Background
Police identified the suspect as Ndiaga Diagne, a 53-year-old naturalized U.S. citizen born in Senegal who arrived in the United States in 2000 on a tourist visa.
Diagne obtained a green card in 2006 and was naturalized in 2013, having spent time in New York before relocating to Texas.
Investigators found an Iranian flag and pictures of Iranian leaders at the suspect's home, along with a Quran discovered inside his vehicle.
Police received a call at 1:39 a.m. and paramedics and officers were on scene actively treating patients within 57 seconds.
The Investigation
FBI Acting Special Agent Alex Doran stated during a briefing that indicators on the suspect and in his vehicle suggest a potential nexus to terrorism, though officials caution it is too early to determine the specific motive.
The Joint Terrorism Task Force is handling the investigation, comprised of the FBI, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Austin police, and state police.
Sources indicate investigators are looking at whether the suspect self-radicalized and if there is a link to international terrorism, while also noting the individual had prior mental health episodes in Austin.
Key Takeaways
- Two people were killed and 14 people were wounded in the attack at Buford's bar.
- The suspect was carrying a handgun and a rifle during the shooting.
- Three of the injured victims were in critical condition following the incident.
What's Next
The National Counterterrorism Center is working with local partners to probe any potential ties to foreign terrorism.
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott directed the Texas Military Department to activate service members and increase patrols in downtown Austin's 6th Street District.
Austin police have asked anyone with information about witnesses or videos to submit it online or call 512-974-TIPS.