Authorities say a photo and witness accounts show the Austin shooter wearing a sweatshirt that read "Property of Allah" while carrying firearms during an attack that left two dead and 14 injured. The suspect, identified as 53-year-old Ndiaga Diagne, was killed by police at the scene. Federal and local agencies, including the JTTF and NCTC, are investigating possible links to terrorism while also examining the suspect's prior mental-health history; officials say it is too early to determine a motive.
Austin Bar Shooting: Suspect Wore "Property of Allah" Hoodie; FBI Probes Possible Terror Link
Photo shows the suspected gunman who opened fire at a bar in Austin, Texas, early Sunday, March 1, 2026. U.S. officials identified the suspect to CBS News as Ndiaga Diagne, a naturalized U.S. citizen from Senegal. / Credit: Fox News
A newly circulated photograph and multiple sources indicate the gunman who opened fire outside an Austin bar was wearing a sweatshirt reading "Property of Allah" and was carrying firearms during the attack, law enforcement officials say. The shooting left two people dead and 14 injured before the suspect was fatally shot by responding officers.
What Happened
Austin Police Chief Lisa Davis said officers received reports of an active shooter at a beer garden in the city's entertainment district shortly after 1:30 a.m. Witness accounts and video show a person in an SUV firing from an open window at patrons seated at an outdoor bar. The suspect then exited the vehicle and continued shooting on foot before police engaged and killed him.
Police investigate the site of a shooting at Buford's in Austin, on Sunday, March 1, 2026. / Credit: Aaron E. Martinez/Austin American-Statesman via AP
Investigation And Evidence
FBI Acting Special Agent Alex Doran said investigators found indicators on the suspect and in his vehicle that point to a "potential nexus to terrorism," but he emphasized it is too early to determine motive. Officials executed a search warrant at the suspect's home and recovered an Iranian flag and photos of Iranian leaders, according to a source with direct knowledge of the probe. Sources also told CBS News that a Quran was found in the suspect's vehicle.
Suspect Background
Austin police identified the shooter as 53-year-old Ndiaga Diagne. Multiple U.S. officials told reporters Diagne was a naturalized U.S. citizen born in Senegal who arrived in the U.S. in 2000, obtained a green card in 2006 and became a citizen in 2013. Two law-enforcement sources said Diagne had prior mental-health episodes in Austin; investigators are examining whether he was influenced by extremist ideology or had self-radicalized, while also considering his mental-health history.
An Austin police officer guards the scene on West 6th Street at West Avenue after a shooting on Sunday, March 1, 2026, in Austin, Texas. / Credit: Jay Janner/Austin American-Statesman via AP
Weapons, Casualties And Response
Authorities say the shooter had at least a handgun and a rifle during the attack; multiple weapons were recovered from the SUV. Fourteen people were hospitalized, three in critical condition, according to Austin-Travis County EMS Chief Robert Luckritz. First responders arrived rapidly: Luckritz said teams were on scene within 57 seconds of the emergency call and immediately began treating patients.
Federal And State Involvement
The Joint Terrorism Task Force (JTTF) — including the FBI, ATF, Austin police and state police — is leading the investigation and reviewing the suspect's background and any potentially relevant online activity. Officials from the National Counterterrorism Center and the Office of the Director of National Intelligence are coordinating with local authorities to assess any foreign ties. Texas Governor Greg Abbott ordered additional patrols and activated personnel under Operation Fury Shield to boost security in downtown Austin.
"This act of violence will not define us," Gov. Abbott said, pledging a decisive response to threats to Texans and critical infrastructure.
Ongoing Work And Public Appeal
Investigators cautioned that findings are preliminary and subject to change as the probe continues. Austin police asked anyone with information, photos or video to submit tips online or call 512-974-TIPS.
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