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Three dead in Austin shooting as FBI suspects terrorism motive
A late-night attack outside a Texas beer garden left two victims and the gunman dead, with federal investigators exploring potential extremist ties. Over a dozen others were wounded.
Timeline of the attack
Police responded to reports of an active shooter near Buford's bar in Austin at approximately 02:00 local time (08:00 GMT) on Sunday. Officers encountered the suspect at a nearby intersection and fatally shot him after he allegedly opened fire on patrons.
According to Austin Police Chief Lisa Davis, the assailant first fired a handgun from a moving SUV before exiting the vehicle with a rifle and advancing toward the bar. Three officers confronted him moments later.
Suspect identified, terrorism nexus under review
Media outlets, including CBS News, identified the shooter as Ndiaga Diagne, a naturalized U.S. citizen originally from Senegal. Authorities have not officially confirmed his identity or provided a motive.
Acting FBI Special Agent Alex Doran revealed that evidence found in the suspect's vehicle and on his person suggested a possible terrorism connection. However, Doran emphasized the investigation remained preliminary and declined to disclose specifics.
"We are committed to seeing this process through to the very end."
Alex Doran, FBI San Antonio
Witness describes chaotic scene
Kelson Lee, 25, was near Buford's when the shooting began. He told the Austin Current he entered the bar to search for a friend and saw seven or eight people lying on the floor.
"No-one should ever have to see that. I kind of blacked out, froze up. I felt kind of helpless because I wanted to help people."
Kelson Lee, witness
Casualties and emergency response
Fourteen survivors were transported to hospitals, with three in critical condition, according to Rob Luckritz of Austin-Travis County Emergency Management Services. Officials credited a 57-second police response time to heightened weekend patrols in the area.
Austin Mayor Kirk Watson praised first responders, stating their speed "definitely saved lives." Texas Governor Greg Abbott pledged the state would not be defined by the violence.
Political reactions
President Donald Trump was briefed on the incident, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed. Senator Ted Cruz (R-TX) condemned the attack on social media, commending law enforcement's "heroic and quick response."
Location and community impact
The shooting occurred in a bustling nightlife district frequented by students from the nearby University of Texas at Austin. University President Jim Davis expressed condolences, noting the tragedy affected members of the "Longhorn family."
