FBI Flags Austin Bar Shooting as Possible Terrorism Link

Two people were killed and 14 injured when a shooting erupted outside a popular Austin beer garden early Sunday, authorities say. The assailant opened fire from a large SUV that passed by the patio area near Buford’s along West Sixth Street, then continued toward the bar with a rifle before police officers confronted and killed him at an intersection. Investigators say the carnage occurred around 2:00 a.m. in a busy nightlife corridor, drawing a fast emergency response as local officers cordoned off the area and transported the wounded to hospitals.

The suspected gunman has been identified by some outlets as Ndiaga Diagne, a naturalized American citizen born in Senegal, though officials have not publicly confirmed the name. The FBI says there are indicators of terrorism in the case, and authorities are reviewing possible links to broader conflicts in the region as they piece together a motive, which remains undisclosed.

Facts uncovered so far include the gunman wearing a sweatshirt that reportedly bore language linked to Islamic themes, and reports that officers who searched his home found an Iranian flag and pictures of Iranian leaders. Officials note the discovery is being explored as part of the broader investigation, not as a standalone conclusion. The SUV used in the initial assault was searched and found not to carry explosives.

Officials from local police and federal agencies say the attack is under active investigation as they assess any connections to international events and domestic security threats. Survivors were taken to hospitals, with several in critical condition, and the East Sixth Street area remains under heightened scrutiny as investigators continue gathering evidence and interviewing witnesses. No definitive motive has been released, and authorities urge the public to await official updates as the investigation unfolds.

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