Three people have been killed and 14 injured in a mass shooting after a gunman targeted a bar in Austin, Texas. Authorities confirm police killed the suspect — identified as Ndiaga Diagne, a 53-year-old man U.S. naturalized citizen born in Senegal, who reportedly wore an Iranian flag on his t-shirt. Authorities said he lived in Pflugerville, Texas and became naturalized in 2013 under the Barack Obama administration.
RELATED: U.S. And Israel Launch Major Attack On Iran Ovenight
Austin Police Chief Lisa Davis said around 1:30 a.m. on Sunday (March 1), 911 calls came in reporting a man shooting at Buford’s Backyard Beer Garden on West 6th Street.
The suspect reportedly drove around in a SUV circling the block when he began firing shots, which rang out from the vehicle’s open window at people seated at Buford’s outside bar. Diagne then reportedly exited the SUV and continued shooting as he walked up the street.
Eventually, at least three responding police officers fired back at the suspect, killing him. Police said they found multiple weapons in his SUV, along with a pistol and rifle found at the scene. Austin-Travis County EMS Chief Robert Luckritz said 3 people died and of the 14 people injured, at least three were in critical condition.
RELATED: Donald Trump After Death Of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei: ‘The Heavy & Pinpoint Bombing Will Continue Uninterrupted As Long As Necessary To Achieve Peace In Middle East’
FBI Investigating Austin Mass Shooting As ‘Potential Nexus To Terrorism’ Following U.S.-Israel Air Strikes On Iran
Along with police officials in Austin, Texas, the FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force has joined the investigation. Federal officials believe the mass shooting may be a “potential nexus to terrorism” amid the U.S. and Israel’s air strike attack on Iran. FOX News reported that the gunman wore a t-shirt with the Iranian flag below a hoodie that read, “Property of Allah.”
During a press conference, Alex Dorn, Acting Special Agent in charge of the FBI’s San Antonio Field Office, said:
“Obviously, it’s still way too early in the process to determine an exact motivation, but there were indicators on the subject and in his vehicle that indicate potential nexus to terrorism. Again, it’s still too early to make a determination on that. That’s why we are investigating it very closely with our partners with Austin police department.”
RELATED: China, Russia, North Korea Condemn U.S.-Israel Air Strikes On Iran & Call Ali Khamenei’s Murder A ‘Cynical Violation’ + Iran Threatens To Hit Back & Donald Trump Says ‘We’ll Hit Them With Force Never Seen Before’
Furthermore, Jason Pack, a retired FBI Supervisory Special Agent with more than two decades of service, said investigators believe Diagne may have acted alone. They don’t believe he worked as part of a coordinated group. They are also looking into any mental illnesses. Pack said, “My sourcing suggests he was not part of an organized cell. This looks like a lone actor who may have been inspired rather than directed.”
Pack added that authorities are seeking a search warrant for Diagne’s digital footprint, including his devices, social media accounts, and communications. Pack explained:
“That is where investigators will look for a radicalization pathway or any contact with extremist networks. Associates, family, neighbors, and coworkers will be interviewed to build a behavioral baseline and identify any missed warning signs. ATF will trace the pistol and rifle to establish how and when he acquired them.”
#Socialites, be sure to check out the post below, then leave us your thoughts in a comment after!
