Authorities in Texas are investigating a mass shooting at a bar in Austin as a potential act of terrorism, after the gunman, a Senegalese-born US citizen, opened fire early on Sunday, killing two people and wounding 14 others before being shot dead by police.
The suspect, identified as 53-year-old Ndiaga Diagne, was wearing a hoodie with the words 'Property of Allah' and a T-shirt featuring an Iranian flag design, according to law enforcement sources. The attack came just hours after US airstrikes on Iran, ordered by President Donald Trump.
The FBI's joint terrorism task force is assisting the investigation. Special Agent Alex Doran said there were 'indicators' of a potential nexus to terrorism, but it was too early to make a determination. Diagne was not previously known to authorities, and they believe he acted alone.
The victims were named as Ryder Harrington, 19, a student at Texas Tech University, and Savitha Shan, 21, who studied at the University of Texas at Austin. A vigil was planned for Monday night.
The shooting has prompted heightened security measures across the US, with the FBI director instructing counterterrorism teams to be on high alert. The New York Police Department and Los Angeles Police Department have increased patrols at sensitive locations, and the Pentagon's Northern Command has advised military bases to remain vigilant.
