The FBI has joined the investigation into a mass shooting at an Austin bar that left three dead, including the suspect, and 14 wounded, amid concerns it may be an act of terrorism. The attack occurred early on Sunday at a downtown bar popular with university students.
The gunman, identified as Ndiaga Diagne, a 53-year-old Senegalese national and naturalised US citizen, was shot and killed by police. He was reportedly wearing a hoodie with the words 'Property of Allah' and a T-shirt with an Iranian flag design underneath. Authorities are investigating his motives and possible links to organised groups, though he is believed to have acted alone.
FBI special agent Alex Doran stated that there were indicators suggesting a potential nexus to terrorism, but it is too early to make a definitive determination. The suspect was not previously on law enforcement's radar. The attack came hours after US airstrikes on Iran, and the Site Intelligence Group reported that Diagne had expressed pro-Iranian sentiment and hatred for Israeli and American leadership in Facebook posts dating back to 2017.
The victims were identified as Ryder Harrington, 19, a student at Texas Tech University, and Savitha Shan, 21, a student at the University of Texas at Austin. A vigil was held in Austin on Monday night.
In response to the escalating Middle East conflict, authorities at national and local levels have stepped up security measures. FBI Director Kash Patel instructed counterterrorism teams to be on high alert, and the New York Police Department enhanced patrols at sensitive locations. The Pentagon's Northern Command urged military bases to remain alert for potential attacks.
