A 53-year-old Senegalese-born man opened fire on bar patrons in Austin, Texas in the early hours of Sunday morning. Two were killed and 14 injured before police shot and killed the perpetrator. The FBI confirms that it is investigating the attack as possible terrorism.
The shooting took place shortly before 2 a.m. local time on Sunday, outside Buford’s Backyard Beer Garden on West 6th Street – one of the most popular nightlife areas in the state capital of Austin.
Police Chief Lisa Davis in Austin stated at a press conference on Sunday morning US time that the perpetrator drove a large SUV around the block several times. He then stopped the vehicle, switched on the hazard lights, rolled down the window, and began firing a handgun at guests seated at the outdoor serving area and in front of the bar.
After the first shooting episode, the man parked the vehicle in a side street, retrieved a rifle from the car, and continued shooting at people walking past along 6th Street.
Police officers patrolling the area responded immediately. Three officers confronted the perpetrator and shot him. He died at the scene.
57 seconds
Robert Luckritz, Chief of Austin-Travis County Emergency Medical Services, stated that the emergency call was received at 01:59, and that medical personnel were on scene and treating patients within 57 seconds. A total of 17 persons were found at the scene. Three were pronounced dead, including the perpetrator. Fourteen were transported to hospital, three of whom were in critical condition.
All critical patients had been transported from the scene within 24 minutes.
FBI: “Possible link to terrorism”
Alex Doran, Acting Special Agent in Charge at the FBI’s San Antonio Field Office, confirmed that the FBI is investigating the shooting as possible terrorism.
– It is of course far too early in the process to establish an exact motive, but there were indicators relating to the individual and in his vehicle that indicate a possible link to terrorism, Doran stated at the press conference.
Police confirmed that a bomb squad was called to examine the perpetrator’s SUV after investigators found disturbing items inside the vehicle. No explosives were found.
Senegalese immigrant with Qur’an in vehicle
According to the New York Post, which cites sources close to the investigation, the perpetrator has been identified as Ndiaga Diagne – a 53-year-old US citizen originally from Senegal, residing in Pflugerville outside Austin.
The newspaper reports that a Qur’an was found in his vehicle, as well as clothing described as Islamic garments. According to the sources, the man had several prior arrests in Texas, and is said to have lived in New York City from 2000 to 2008. He had been a US citizen for approximately 15 years.
CBS News has confirmed the identification through three US officials.
Sources cited by the New York Post state that the shooting “may have been motivated by the United States’ attacks on Iran” – a reference to the American and Israeli military operation against Iran carried out the day before the attack.
Republican Congressman Chip Roy, who represents the Austin area, wrote on social media that he had become aware of “very disturbing facts” about the perpetrator following conversations with the FBI and the Austin Police Department on Sunday morning.
Texas Governor Greg Abbott has ordered the Department of Public Safety and the National Guard to increase patrols and surveillance throughout the state as part of “Operation Fury Shield”. DPS will also increase patrols in the 6th Street district.
– This act of violence will not define us, nor will it shake the resolve of Texans, Abbott stated in a statement. – To anyone considering using the ongoing conflict in the Middle East to threaten Texans or our critical infrastructure: Texas will respond with decisive and overwhelming force to protect our state.