The gunman who killed two people and wounded 14 in Austin, Texas, late Saturday night has been identified by the SITE Intelligence Group as Ndiaga Diagne, a U.S. citizen originally from Senegal. SITE said the attacker posted what it described as "pro‑Iranian regime sentiment" and anti‑Israeli and anti‑American content on social media dating back to 2017.
Authorities say Diagne was shot dead by responding police officers at the scene in Austin's busy entertainment district. Austin Police Chief Lisa Davis said officers encountered an armed individual around 2:00 a.m.; three officers returned fire and the suspect was killed.
Sequence of Events
According to police, the assailant first fired a pistol from his vehicle toward patrons at Buford's Backyard Beer Garden in downtown Austin. He then parked, emerged with a rifle and opened fire on pedestrians nearby. Emergency responders treated and transported the wounded to local hospitals; officials said three of the injured remained in critical condition.
Investigation and Potential Motive
FBI Special Agent Alex Doran said investigators had not yet established a definitive motive but that "there were indicators on the subject and in his vehicle that indicate a potential nexus to terrorism." The FBI's Joint Terrorism Task Force has joined local law enforcement in the investigation.
"In terms of specifically what type of terrorism, we're just at this point prepared to say that it was potentially an act of terrorism," Doran said at a briefing.
Context And Security Response
The shooting occurred amid heightened security across many U.S. cities following reports of military strikes in the Middle East. In response to the incident and the broader tensions, Texas Governor Greg Abbott announced increased security for energy facilities, ports and areas along the U.S.‑Mexico border.
"To anyone who thinks about using the current conflict in the Middle East to threaten Texans or our critical infrastructure... Texas will respond with decisive and overwhelming force to protect our state," Abbott said in a statement.
The investigation is ongoing. Authorities continue to interview witnesses, review social media and digital evidence, and examine the suspect's vehicle and other forensic material. No further suspects have been reported as of the latest updates.
