The investigation into the Austin shooting has taken a dark turn as federal agents focus on disturbing evidence found inside the suspect's vehicle. Officials now consider the 6th Street attack a potential act of terrorism, following two deaths and 14 injuries.
The FBI reveals 'chilling indicators' suggesting the mass shooting may have been pre-planned rather than random.
The gunman, draped in an Iranian flag and 'Property of Allah' branding, opened fire early Sunday at a Texas bar. Law enforcement confirmed to The Associated Press that the FBI is treating the incident as a potential act of terrorism. This federal shift comes shortly after the US and Israel targeted Iran in a joint strike the day before.
Chaos Erupts in Austin's Nightlife Hub
Officers in Austin shot the gunman dead after he opened fire with both a handgun and a rifle. The bloodshed broke out just before 2 a.m. outside Buford's Backyard Beer Garden on Sixth Street, a popular nightlife hub packed with music venues and bars. Located only a few miles from the University of Texas at Austin, the area was crowded with people when the attack began.
Nathan Comeaux, a 22-year-old student, had been at the venue with friends and described it as being 'full of college students, probably mostly UT kids.' He recalled how hundreds of people were standing 'shoulder to shoulder' just enjoying their evening before the shooting started.
A UT Austin senior shares his firsthand account of the shooting on West 6th Street outside Buford's bar. Nathan Comeaux describes hearing the initial gunshots, witnessing the suspect confront police and capturing the moment on video.
— CBS Austin (@cbsaustin) March 1, 2026
MORE: https://t.co/0MTJyiJedi pic.twitter.com/EUIKnh62pq
According to Austin Police Chief Lisa Davis, the suspect circled the venue multiple times before opening fire from his SUV window at the crowd on the patio and in front of the bar. He then stopped the vehicle and stepped out with a rifle to target people on the street before officers arrived at the intersection and shot him dead. By Sunday morning, Davis confirmed that three of the victims remained in critical condition.
Witness Recalls Moment of Terror
Department of Homeland Security officials identified the shooter as 53-year-old Ndiaga Diagne in a formal statement.
One student at the scene watched as the gunfire broke out across the busy street. About 10 minutes before the first shots rang out, Comeaux had stepped away from the bar to buy pizza at a nearby food truck. He explained that those around him did not immediately realise what was happening, with many mistaking the noise for a loud motorcycle or fireworks.
🚨BREAKING: Austin, Texas shooter, identified as Ndiaga Diagne, a naturalized U.S. citizen born in Senegal.
— Benny Johnson (@bennyjohnson) March 1, 2026
He was wearing a sweatshirt that said “Property of Allah”, an undershirt referring to Iran and had a Quran in his car. pic.twitter.com/k84cYA0LtY
After ducking behind a bench for a minute, Comeaux emerged to see police officers racing towards the area. He began filming on his phone just as more gunfire broke out, witnessing the suspect turn his weapon on the officers before they shot him down.
Comeaux, who knows someone caught in the crossfire, believes many other UT students were in a similar position. He noted that the entire University of Texas community has been deeply shaken by the tragedy.
FBI Probes Possible Terror Links
While a definitive motive has yet to be established, investigators discovered 'indicators' on the shooter and inside his SUV that suggest a potential terrorist connection. Alex Doran, the acting agent in charge of the FBI's San Antonio office, confirmed that the agency is exploring this possibility. However, Doran noted on Sunday morning that it remains too early to reach a final conclusion.
Austin Police have released, what appears to be, a drivers license photo of the suspect who carried out a mass shooting in downtown Austin. Police say Ndiaga Diagne used a pistol and a rifle to shoot people around Buford's Bar on West 6th Street, before police shot and killed… pic.twitter.com/Hky4RAIpkX
— Marc Mullins (@MarcMullins1) March 2, 2026
DHS records show that Diagne first arrived in the US on a tourist visa in 2000, before gaining permanent residency six years later through marriage to an American citizen. By 2013, he had become a naturalised citizen. Several sources familiar with the case, speaking anonymously as they were not permitted to share details publicly, confirmed that Diagne was originally from Senegal.
The White House confirmed that President Donald Trump has been kept informed of the developments surrounding the shooting.
State Leaders Vow Swift Response
Governor Greg Abbott issued a stern warning that Texas would act decisively against anyone attempting to use Middle East tensions as a pretext for violence within the state. On social media, University of Texas at Austin President Jim Davis expressed his heartbreak, noting that several victims were part of the 'Longhorn family'.
University President Jim Davis shared that his thoughts and prayers are with the victims and everyone affected by the tragedy. He noted that because the entertainment district maintains a high police presence during weekends, officers managed to confront the shooter within 60 seconds of the initial emergency call. Austin Mayor Kirk Watson commended the swift actions of the police and emergency services, stating that their bravery undoubtedly saved lives.
