FBI probing possible terrorism link in deadly 6th Street shooting

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Authorities in the United States are investigating whether a deadly mass shooting in Austin, Texas, had links to terrorism after two people were killed and 14 others injured in a crowded nightlife district. The suspected gunman was also killed by police during the incident.

The shooting occurred early Sunday morning outside Buford’s Backyard Beer Garden on West Sixth Street, a popular nightlife area near the University of Texas campus. According to police, officers received emergency calls just before 2 a.m. reporting an active shooter in the crowded entertainment district.

Officials said the gunman began firing from inside his vehicle at people gathered on the bar’s patio and nearby streets. He then exited the SUV and continued shooting at pedestrians with a rifle before police confronted and fatally shot him within minutes. 

Emergency responders treated 17 victims at the scene. Two people died from their injuries, while 14 others were hospitalized, including several in critical condition. 

Authorities identified the attacker as Ndiaga Diagne, a 53-year-old naturalized U.S. citizen originally from Senegal who lived in Pflugerville, a suburb of Austin. He entered the U.S. in 2000 and became a citizen in 2013. 

Law enforcement officials said he had driven around the area multiple times before launching the attack, suggesting possible planning.

Police and federal agents later searched his residence and vehicle, where they reportedly found items and symbols that raised concerns about extremist ideology.

The FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force is involved in the investigation after authorities discovered “indicators” pointing to a potential nexus to terrorism, though no confirmed motive has yet been established.

Officials said the suspect was wearing clothing featuring:

• The phrase “Property of Allah”

• Designs associated with Iran

Investigators also reportedly found a Quran and imagery connected to Iranian leaders during searches. These discoveries, combined with global tensions following recent U.S. and Israeli military actions against Iran, prompted terrorism concerns. 

However, authorities stressed it is still too early to determine whether the attack was directed by any foreign group or was the result of individual radicalization.

Austin police said officers arrived within seconds of the first emergency call. Their swift response is believed to have prevented even more casualties, as the attacker was stopped within minutes.

Emergency medical teams deployed multiple units, evacuating victims quickly and transporting them to local hospitals.