Suspect identified in Austin, Texas, bar shooting that left 2 dead, 14 injured
Suspect Identified in Austin, Texas, Bar Shooting That Left 2 Dead, 14 Injured
A 53-year-old man suspected of killing two individuals and wounding 14 others during a Sunday morning attack on a downtown Austin bar has a documented history of mental health issues, according to law enforcement sources. Ndiaga Diagne, a Senegalese national who became a U.S. citizen, was residing in Pflugerville at the time of the incident.
Clothing and Immediate Response
Diagne was observed wearing a sweatshirt with the slogan “Property of Allah” and an Iranian-themed shirt underneath during the attack, as reported by investigators. Law enforcement swiftly intervened, shooting and killing him shortly after the shooting began.
Investigation into Motive
Authorities are still assessing whether the attack had a terrorist connection, though early indicators suggest a possible link to Middle Eastern tensions. “There were signs in his vehicle and belongings that hint at a potential connection to terrorism,” stated Alex Doran, an FBI special agent. “However, it’s too early to confirm any direct ties.”
Background of the Suspect
Diagne arrived in the U.S. on a B-2 tourist visa in 2000 and later gained lawful permanent resident status through marriage in 2006. He completed his naturalization process in 2013. In 2022, he was arrested in Texas for a vehicle collision, though no details of that case were disclosed.
Shooting Details and Witness Accounts
According to Austin Police Chief Lisa Davis, the gunman circled the bar multiple times in an SUV before exiting and firing at people on the patio. He then switched to a rifle, continuing the attack as he moved along West Sixth Street. A bystander’s video captures the chaos, with shouts of “Oh, my God” and individuals taking cover as gunshots echo through the scene.
Nathan Comeaux, a University of Texas at Austin student, recounted the event. He was celebrating two friends’ 21st birthdays at Buford’s, a popular beer garden, when he returned from getting pizza and heard the gunfire. “People initially stayed calm, but when officers arrived and confronted the shooter, everyone understood the severity of the situation,” Comeaux explained.
Impact and Statements from Officials
Three of the injured were transported to a nearby hospital in critical condition, according to Robert Luckritz, head of the county’s emergency medical services. The bar’s proximity to the UT campus and the Texas Capitol adds to the community’s concern. UT Austin President Jim Davis described the day as “a difficult one for our city and the University,” expressing solidarity with victims and their families.
“Our prayers are with the victims and all those impacted, including members of our Longhorn family,” Davis said in a statement.
Texas Governor Greg Abbott emphasized the state’s resolve, stating, “This act of violence will not define us, nor will it shake the resolve of Texans.” He also warned against using the Middle East conflict to threaten residents, referencing joint U.S.-Israeli operations that targeted Iran and killed its supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.