Austin Shooting: FBI Joint Terrorism Task Force Joins Probe After West Sixth Street Attack
The austin shooting that erupted in downtown Austin just before 2 a. m. on Sunday left three people dead, including the gunman, and sent 14 others to hospitals as the FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force stepped into the investigation.
Austin Shooting draws FBI scrutiny over possible terror nexus
Alex Doran, a special agent with the FBI’s San Antonio field office, said investigators found "indicators that on the subject and in his vehicle that indicate potential nexus to terrorism. " He added, "Again, it's still too early to make a determination on that. " The FBI joined local police and deployed evidence response and digital forensics teams to the scene.
How the attack unfolded on West Sixth Street
Police said the shooting began at 1: 58 a. m. Sunday on West Sixth Street near Buford's Backyard Beer Garden, a bar close to the University of Texas at Austin. Officers say the man first fired from a large SUV, then exited and opened fire on people walking by. Police Chief Lisa Davis described the sequence: "He put his flashers on, rolled down his window and began using a pistol, shooting out his car windows, striking patrons of the bar that were on the patio and were in front of the bar. " She added that the suspect then drove down the block and "once again, he starts shooting some people that are walking by. "
Rapid police response and the end of the attack
Three officers on routine patrol in the entertainment district reached the scene in 57 seconds, confronted the gunman and returned fire, killing him as officers pursued him toward East Sixth Street. First responders arrived in less than a minute and rushed 14 patients to nearby hospitals; three of those victims are listed in critical condition. No victims have been identified so far.
Suspect identified; background, possible motives and what was found
Officials identified the shooter as Ndiaga Diagne, described in official statements as a naturalized American born in Senegal who was formerly of The Bronx. Investigators said he fired both a handgun and an assault rifle during the attack. Law-enforcement material found in the vehicle included a Quran, and he was dressed in clothing described as Islamic garb when he began firing. Unattributed reports suggested he was possibly motivated by U. S. strikes against Iran. Officials also noted Diagne had a history of arrests in New York City and Texas, with at least four arrests spanning 2001 to 2016; most were sealed and one was for illegal vending.
Scene status, community impact and next steps
West Sixth Street remains closed from Guadalupe Street to North Lamar Boulevard while investigators process the scene. the investigation is active and that more information will be released as it becomes available; they extended their "deepest condolences to the families and loved ones who lost their lives in the tragic incident. "
Hours before the shooting, the bar had posted videos on its Instagram story showing crowds singing and dancing to a DJ, with revelers belting out Miley Cyrus' "Party in the USA" and Kelly Clarkson's "Since You Been Gone" as a smoke machine operated on the patio.
Investigators with the Joint Terrorism Task Force and local police continue to collect evidence, and they will provide updates as the probe develops.
