Investigators have identified the man accused of opening fire outside a busy downtown Austin bar early Sunday, killing at least two people and injuring 14 others, in an attack now under federal review for possible terrorism links.
Multiple law enforcement sources named the suspect as Ndiaga Diagne, a 53-year-old naturalized U.S. citizen originally from Senegal who had lived in the United States for roughly 15 years. Officials say the investigation remains in its early stages and details could change.
According to Austin Police Department Chief Lisa Davis, officers were dispatched to Buford’s beer garden just before 2 a.m. after reports of gunfire. Preliminary findings indicate the suspect drove an SUV around the block several times before stopping, activating his hazard lights and lowering a window. He then began firing a handgun toward people gathered on the patio and sidewalk. Authorities say he later exited the vehicle with a rifle and continued shooting along West Sixth Street before encountering officers, who shot and killed him. A pistol and rifle were recovered at the scene, and additional weapons were found inside the SUV.
Emergency crews were already stationed in the entertainment district when the call came in. Austin-Travis County EMS Chief Robert Luckritz said first responders arrived within seconds and began treating victims immediately. Three people were reported in critical condition among those hospitalized.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation has joined the case through its Joint Terrorism Task Force. Acting Special Agent Alex Doran said there were indicators involving the suspect and his vehicle that suggest a “potential nexus to terrorism,” but cautioned it is too soon to determine motive. Investigators are examining whether the gunman may have self-radicalized, while also considering reports that he had experienced prior mental health episodes in Austin. Officials believe he acted alone and have found no evidence of direct ties to a foreign government.
Sources told investigators the suspect arrived in the U.S. in 2006 and became a citizen in 2013 after spending time in New York before relocating to Pflugerville, Texas. He was reportedly wearing a sweatshirt reading “Property of Allah” during the attack. Federal agents are executing search warrants and reviewing background information, including possible online activity.
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott announced increased security measures statewide, directing additional patrols in downtown Austin and activating members of the Texas Military Department under Operation Fury Shield. He said patrols and surveillance have also been expanded around critical infrastructure. Abbott said: “Texas mourns with the families and loved ones of those who were horrifically killed in last night’s attack in Austin. Cecilia and I pray for them, and we pray for the swift recovery of those who were injured.” He added: “This act of violence will not define us, nor will it shake the resolve of Texans. To anyone who thinks about using the current conflict in the Middle East to threaten Texans or our critical infrastructure, understand this clearly: Texas will respond with decisive and overwhelming force to protect our state.”
Editorial credit: Volodymyr TVERDOKHLIB / Shutterstock.com