Deadly Texas bar shooting in Austin flagged as 'potential act of terrorism' as FBI cites indicators

Federal investigators say there were indicators suggesting a possible terrorism nexus after a shooting outside a beer garden in Austin, texas, that left at least three people dead and 14 injured. The suspect was shot and killed by police; authorities say the probe is in its early stages and many details remain unclear.

Texas investigation: FBI cites indicators and calls probe early

Acting Special Agent in Charge Alex Doran of the FBI's San Antonio office said investigators found indications in the suspect's vehicle and on the suspect that suggest a potential link to terrorism, but he stressed the investigation is at an early stage and officials are not prepared to release detailed evidence. Doran said the agency is committed to carrying the process through to the end.

Sequence of events at Buford's Backyard Beer Garden

Police responded to reports of an active shooter at around 02: 00 local time (08: 00 GMT) on Sunday near Buford's, identified in local coverage as Buford's Backyard Beer Garden on West Sixth Street. Officers who had been patrolling the nearby, busier East Sixth Street nightlife district moved quickly to the scene. Authorities say a man in a large SUV drove by the bar multiple times, then put on the vehicle's hazard lights, rolled down his window and fired a pistol, striking patrons on the patio and on the pavement outside the bar.

After that initial firing, the suspect parked the SUV, exited with a rifle and began walking back toward the bar. Three police officers confronted the man at an intersection; officers returned fire and killed him.

Casualties, hospitalisations and witness accounts

three people were found dead at the scene, bringing the death toll to three when the suspect is included among the dead. Fourteen people were taken to hospital, with three described as being in critical condition. A witness identified as Kelson Lee, 25, said he was within earshot when the gunfire began; he walked inside to look for a friend and encountered multiple wounded patrons, describing seeing about seven to eight bodies on the floor and saying he felt helpless because he wanted to help people.