Roomies, things got scary in downtown Austin early Sunday morning. A popular bar became the scene of chaos after a gunman opened fire, leaving at least three dead and 14 injured before police fatally shot the suspect. Authorities have now identified the man as Ndiaga Diagne. And, the FBI’s joint terrorism task force has been called in to help figure out what exactly happened.
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Gunman Opens Fire Outside Austin Bar
According to officials, Ndiaga Diagne, a naturalized American from Senegal who moved to the U.S. in 2006, was armed with both a pistol and an assault rifle. Police say he drove a large SUV around the block before opening fire in front of the Buford’s bar then exited the vehicle and continued shooting. Officers arrived at the scene within 57 seconds of the first 911 call and confronted the gunman immediately, preventing the death toll from being much higher.
Ndiaga Diagne’s History & Alleged Terror Link Examined
Furthermore, it was reported that Diagne was wearing a “Property of Allah” hoodie. While still under investigation, reports state that he could’ve allegedly been acting in retaliation for recent U.S. strikes on Iran, law enforcement sources told the New York Post. Diagne was described as a long-time emotionally disturbed individual with a history of arrests spanning both New York and Texas. He had lived in New York City since 2000, accumulating multiple arrests between 2001 and 2016, including a 2001 bust for illegal vending, though three other cases remain sealed. After moving to Texas, neighbors noted erratic behavior, though authorities say no prior violent incidents were reported locally.
Reports further claim that investigators found a Quran in his car. Also, he was reportedly wearing an undershirt featuring Iranian symbols or the Iranian flag when he opened fire. The combination of his past arrests, mental health struggles, and possible political motives has law enforcement carefully examining every angle.
FBI Probes Terror Link As Texas Boosts Security
FBI investigators are currently examining a potential terrorist link, though no motive has been confirmed. Evidence recovered from Diagne and his vehicle raised concerns, and authorities are also reviewing his history of mental health issues. Meanwhile, Texas Governor Greg Abbott referenced recent U.S.-Israel tensions, warning that anyone using global conflicts to threaten Texans would face “decisive and overwhelming force.” Additionally, the National Guard and local law enforcement increased patrols across the state.
After the news broke, Mayor Kirk Watson and emergency officials praised the swift response from police and paramedics. He even noted that their routine presence in downtown Austin likely saved lives. Eyewitnesses described chaotic scenes, with screaming, crying, and panicked bystanders. Meanwhile, former bar employees shared relief that staff survived the horrific attack. Public attention is now shifting toward Texas gun laws, which critics say remain dangerously lenient, allowing concealed carry without permits and ranking the state low in national firearm safety standards.
