Texas Shooting in Austin Leaves Three Dead as FBI Probes Possible Terror Link
A weekend texas shooting at Buford's Backyard Beer Garden on West Sixth Street in Austin killed three people, including the shooter, and wounded 14 others, three of whom remain in critical condition. Federal and local authorities have opened a terrorism inquiry after finding indications on the suspect and in his vehicle and home that prompted FBI and Department of Homeland Security involvement.
Texas Shooting at Buford's Backyard Beer Garden
The attack took place in the early hours around Austin's nightlife district. Law enforcement activity began when officials received a call at 1: 39am; officers responded to reports of an active shooter around 02: 00 local time (08: 00 GMT). Emergency medical services chief Robert Luckritz said three people were found dead at the scene and that the injured were taken to nearby hospitals. Luckritz added that from the initial call "within 57 seconds, the first paramedics and officers were on scene actively treating the patients. " The venue is on West Sixth Street, described by police as a busier area several blocks from the more popular East Sixth Street bar district and a few miles from the University of Texas at Austin.
Suspect Ndiaga Diagne and immigration, citizenship timeline
The Department of Homeland Security has identified the suspect as 53-year-old Ndiaga Diagne. He first entered the United States in 2000 on a tourist visa, became a lawful permanent resident six years later after marrying a U. S. citizen, and was naturalised as an American citizen in 2013. The DHS has noted he had a history of mental health issues. Other accounts state he was born in Senegal.
Sequence of attack and police response
A man in a large SUV drove by Buford's several times before putting on the vehicle's hazard lights, rolling down his window and firing a pistol, striking patrons on the patio and pavement. He then parked, exited armed with a rifle, and began walking back toward the bar and shooting at people in the vicinity. Three police officers converged at an intersection, confronted the suspect and returned fire, killing him. Officers described the encounter as a shoot-out at the scene; authorities say the attacker used both a pistol and a rifle during the assault.
Evidence found on clothing, in vehicle and at the home
Officials described items worn and recovered that have shaped the federal inquiry. The attacker was seen wearing a sweatshirt bearing the words "Property of Allah" and also a shirt displaying an Iranian flag with the word "IRAN" spelled in green, white and red across the front. The SUV was searched and found not to be carrying explosives. Officers who searched the suspect's residence found an Iranian flag and pictures of Iranian leaders. Acting Special Agent in Charge Alex Doran of the FBI's San Antonio office said there were indications in the SUV and on the suspect that suggested a "nexus to terrorism, " while noting the investigation was in its early stages and that he was "not prepared to release those details. " He added, "We are committed to seeing this process through to the very end. "
Casualties, eyewitness account and wider timing
Authorities put the immediate human toll at three dead, including the shooter, and 14 people wounded, with three in critical condition. An eyewitness, 25-year-old Kelson Lee, said he walked inside the bar after gunfire and saw about "seven to eight bodies on the floor, " adding, "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. " Robert Luckritz, head of Austin-Travis County Emergency Management Services, confirmed those numbers in initial briefings.
