A late-night shooting outside a popular bar in downtown Austin has left at least three people dead and 14 others wounded in an attack that federal authorities are now investigating as a possible act of terrorism. The incident occurred shortly before 2 a.m. on Sunday at Buford’s Backyard Beer Garden, a busy bar on West Sixth Street, a well-known entertainment district popular with college students and young adults.
Witnesses reported that the suspect drove past the venue multiple times before opening fire from a large SUV. After a pause, he continued the attack on foot with a rifle. Police officers already in the area responded within minutes and fatally shot the suspect. Authorities confirmed that two victims were killed at the scene, with the third death being the shooter himself. Fourteen people were injured and transported to local hospitals, several in critical condition. First responders were praised for their swift action, which likely prevented further casualties.
The FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force, together with local law enforcement, is investigating the shooting. Officials said there were indicators of a potential connection to terrorism, based on items discovered on the gunman and in his vehicle, although authorities emphasized that it is still too early to definitively classify the attack as terrorism. Evidence being examined includes clothing with Islamic and Iranian imagery, a Quran in the suspect’s vehicle, and social media posts expressing pro-Iranian regime sentiment and anti-U.S. and anti-Israeli views.
Law enforcement has identified the shooter as 53-year-old Ndiaga Diagne, a naturalized U.S. citizen originally from Senegal. Authorities are looking into whether his ideological views influenced the attack, but no official motive has yet been confirmed.
Texas Governor Greg Abbott condemned the violence and urged vigilance, emphasizing that overseas conflicts cannot justify domestic attacks. Austin city officials expressed condolences to the victims’ families and praised emergency responders for their rapid intervention. The incident has reignited national debates over gun safety, domestic terrorism, and immigration policy, as the public and lawmakers seek to understand the circumstances surrounding the attack.
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