FBI probes possible terrorism link after Austin Sixth Street shooting
FBI investigators are examining whether a mass shooting outside Buford’s on Sixth Street was an act of terrorism after two people were killed and 14 wounded; the gunman was shot by police.
The FBI’s San Antonio field office said federal investigators are probing a possible terrorism nexus after a gunman opened fire outside Buford’s Backyard Beer Garden in Austin’s Sixth Street entertainment district, killing two people, wounding 14 and prompting an armed confrontation that left the attacker dead.
Acting Special Agent in Charge Alex Doran said investigators found “indicators that on the subject and in his vehicle that indicate potential nexus to terrorism,” but he cautioned that “again, it's still too early to make a determination on that.” The FBI has assigned its Joint Terrorism Task Force to the case and joined Austin Police in searches of the suspect’s vehicle and home, officials said. Authorities reported that the SUV used in the attack did not contain explosives.
Witnesses described a chaotic scene on a crowded Saturday night patio frequented by University of Texas students. Nathan Comeaux, a 22-year-old senior, said the bar was “full of college students, probably mostly UT kids, shoulder to shoulder, hundreds just enjoying their nights.” Another witness, Kelson Lee, described seeing “about seven to eight bodies on the floor,” and said, “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.”
Local and national reports say a man in a large SUV activated hazard lights, rolled down a window and fired a pistol into the crowd, then parked and emerged with a rifle before walking back toward the bar. Three Austin police officers who were staged in the entertainment district confronted the suspect and returned fire, fatally wounding him. Officials credited the rapid police and emergency medical response with saving lives; Mayor Kirk Watson said, “There is no question in my mind that the quick response of the police officers and of our EMS personnel and those professionals made a difference and saved lives.”
Multiple outlets identified the suspect as Ndiaga Diagne, 53, a naturalized U.S. citizen born in Senegal with reported ties to Pflugerville and prior addresses in San Antonio and New York. Police had not publicly confirmed an identity at the time of some reports. The Associated Press and CBS, cited by other U.S. media, reported that the attacker was wearing clothing with an Iranian flag design and the words “Property of Allah,” a detail that law enforcement has not publicly confirmed.
Hospitals in Austin received the injured; officials said 14 victims were taken for care and several were in critical condition, according to media reports. The State Department issued a global advisory urging Americans to be alert for possible retaliatory attacks following recent U.S. strikes abroad, a context that investigators said they are examining without asserting a causal link.
Public health and safety experts note the challenges of protecting densely packed nightlife districts. Retired FBI Dallas JTTF supervisor Tom Petrowski observed, “You cannot harden every target. There are so many mass gatherings in this country.” Beyond immediate trauma care and emergency response, the shooting raises public health concerns about access to mental health services for survivors and long term supports for students and workers affected by community violence.
Investigators said they are also exploring whether the attacker acted alone and whether mental health played a role. Authorities urged patience as they sort preliminary evidence and promised further updates as the probe continues. Community officials and health providers in Austin are mobilizing victim assistance resources and urging anyone with information to contact local law enforcement.
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