A gunman dressed in attire featuring an Iranian flag design and the words “Property of Allah” carried out a deadly attack at a bar in Texas, killing two people and injuring 14, a law enforcement official informed The Associated Press. The FBI is currently investigating the incident, which occurred shortly after the U.S. and Israel launched an attack on Iran, raising concerns of a potential act of terrorism.
The assailant, armed with both a pistol and a rifle, was shot and killed by police in Austin.
The shooting took place outside Buford’s Backyard Beer Garden in the early hours of Sunday, on Sixth Street, a popular nightlife spot near the University of Texas at Austin.
Nathan Comeaux, a senior at the university, described the bar as packed with college students enjoying their night out.
According to Austin Police Chief Lisa Davis, the suspect drove past the bar multiple times before opening fire from his SUV. He then exited the vehicle with a rifle and continued shooting at pedestrians before being confronted by officers.
Authorities identified the gunman as 53-year-old Ndiaga Diagne, as confirmed by the Department of Homeland Security.
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An Eyewitness Account
Nathan Comeaux, who was present at the scene, shared his experience of the shooting, highlighting the chaos and fear that ensued.
He expressed solidarity with the victims and the university community, acknowledging the profound impact of the tragedy.
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Potential Terrorism Link
Authorities are exploring the possibility of terrorism as a motive behind the attack, citing certain clues found on the gunman and in his vehicle.
Diagne, originally from Senegal, immigrated to the U.S. in 2000 and became a naturalized citizen in 2013, as per the Department of Homeland Security.
President Donald Trump has been briefed on the incident, the White House confirmed.
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Statements from Texas Officials
Texas Governor Greg Abbott issued a warning against using geopolitical conflicts to threaten the state, emphasizing a strong response to such actions.
University of Texas at Austin President Jim Davis expressed solidarity with the victims, acknowledging the impact on the university community.
The swift response by law enforcement and emergency personnel was praised by Austin Mayor Kirk Watson, who highlighted their role in saving lives.
The aftermath of the shooting saw a heightened police presence in the area, with investigations ongoing to ascertain the full scope of the incident.
While the motive behind the attack remains unclear, authorities are diligently working to gather information and ensure the safety of the community.
This article has been updated to reflect accurate information regarding the timeline and details of the incident.
Contributors: Seewer from Toledo, Ohio; Durkin Richer from Washington, and Ronayne from Sacramento, California. Additional reporting by Thomas Beaumont in Austin, Rebecca Santana and Eric Tucker in Washington, and Olivia Diaz in Richmond, Virginia. ___ Diaz is a corps member for The Associated Press/Report for America Statehouse News Initiative. Report for America is a nonprofit national service program that places journalists in local newsrooms to report on undercovered issues.
