Deadly Texas bar shooting raises terrorism questions after suspect opened fire at Buford's Backyard Beer Garden

An overnight shooting outside Buford's Backyard Beer Garden in Austin, Texas, left multiple people dead and dozens wounded and prompted an FBI review of possible terrorism indicators. The incident and the law-enforcement response have produced differing details about the suspect's identity and the sequence of events, and investigators say the probe is in its early stages.

Timeline and immediate toll from the Texas bar shooting

Calls of an active shooter reached emergency services shortly before 2: 00 a. m. local time. One account states the initial call came in at 1: 39 a. m., with the first paramedics and officers on scene within 57 seconds. Officers found multiple victims on the patio and pavement outside the bar. Two people were killed and over a dozen injured; police shot and killed the suspect, bringing the death toll to three. Fourteen people were taken to hospital, and three of those were described as being in critical condition.

Sequence of events at Buford's Backyard Beer Garden

Officials describe a suspect in a large SUV who drove past the venue several times. The vehicle's hazard lights or indicators were activated before the occupant rolled down a window and fired a pistol, striking patrons on the patio and in front of the bar. The driver then parked nearby, exited with a rifle and began walking toward the bar and shooting at people passing by. Three police officers confronted the man at an intersection and returned fire, killing him. The SUV was searched and was not carrying explosives.

What investigators and officials have said about motive and identity

The FBI has said investigators found indicators in the vehicle and on the suspect that suggested a nexus to terrorism, but the acting special agent in charge of the FBI's San Antonio office emphasized the investigation is in its early stages and that detailed information is not yet being released. An FBI agent also stated it is too early to make a determination about whether the act was terrorism.

Some media coverage has identified the suspect as Ndiaga Diagne, described there as a naturalised American citizen born in Senegal. At the same time, police authorities have not released an official identification of the gunman. Investigative detail circulated that the gunman was wearing a sweatshirt bearing the words "Property of Allah. "

First responders, officials and witnesses on scene

• Austin Police Chief Lisa Davis said officers who were patrolling the busy nightlife area known as East Sixth Street were able to move rapidly to the scene at West Sixth Street when they received reports of a man with a gun; she noted the presence of nearby officers as a factor in the prompt response.
• Austin-Travis County Emergency Management Services head Rob Luckritz (also referenced as Robert Luckritz) said 14 people were taken to hospital and that three were in critical condition; he also said three people were found dead at the scene.
• Austin Mayor Kirk Watson praised the rapid response by police and rescuers and said that response "definitely saved lives. "
• Witness Kelson Lee, 25, who was within earshot when the gunfire erupted, described walking into the bar area and seeing about seven to eight bodies on the floor and said he momentarily blacked out and felt helpless because he wanted to help people.
• The White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said that US President Donald Trump has been notified of the shooting.

Evidence, open questions and next steps

Investigators have noted indicators found both in the vehicle and on the suspect that prompted an FBI nexus-to-terrorism inquiry, but officials caution that the investigation remains in an early phase and that firm conclusions have not been drawn. The identity matter remains unsettled in public accounts: some coverage names Ndiaga Diagne while law enforcement has not formally released the suspect's identity. The SUV was searched and was not found to contain explosives.

Authorities continue to gather forensic evidence, interview witnesses and review the rapid-response timeline. Recent updates indicate the probe is ongoing and that further details may evolve as investigators work to determine motive and any broader connections. Details about charges, formal identifications and final determinations on motive are unclear in the provided context.