In a chilling discovery following a deadly shooting spree in Austin, Texas, law enforcement officials searching the gunman's home found photographs of Iranian leaders and an Iranian flag. This revelation emerged just one day after heightened tensions between the United States and Iran following lethal airstrikes.
Details of the Attack and Investigation
The shooter has been identified as Ndiaga Diagne, a 53-year-old naturalized U.S. citizen originally from Senegal who previously resided in New York City from 2000 to 2008. According to sources speaking to CBS News, after obtaining a search warrant, investigators uncovered the Iranian-related materials inside Diagne's residence.
The horrific incident unfolded in the early hours of Sunday at Buford's bar on West Sixth Street in Austin's Entertainment District. Austin Police Chief Lisa Davis confirmed that the gunman never entered the establishment but instead fired upon patrons from the street using both a handgun and a rifle.
Casualties and Response
A total of seventeen people were shot during the attack. Tragically, three individuals were pronounced dead at the scene, while fourteen others sustained injuries and were transported to hospitals. Three of those hospitalized remain in critical condition as of the latest reports.
Police officers engaged the shooter in return fire, ultimately killing the attacker. Chief Davis described the event as a "tragic, tragic incident" and commended the bravery of responding officers who confronted an armed individual.
Symbols and Background of the Shooter
In addition to the Iranian materials found in his home, Diagne was reportedly wearing a shirt bearing the phrase "Property of Allah" during the attack. Fox News sources indicated he may have also been wearing an undershirt or t-shirt featuring Iranian flag imagery or representations. Furthermore, a Quran was said to have been discovered in the shooter's vehicle.
Diagne had a documented history of arrests in Texas and New York City. The New York Post reported his initial arrest in 2001 for illegal vending, followed by a series of arrests between 2008 and 2016. Sources revealed that three of these arrests remain sealed records. Despite this criminal history, Diagne successfully became a naturalized U.S. citizen in April 2013.
Sources also informed CBS News that Diagne had experienced mental health episodes while living in Austin, adding another layer to the investigation into his motives and mental state.
Scene Documentation and Aftermath
Footage circulated on social media platforms depicted a substantial police presence at the crime scene, with one video showing a shirtless individual lying deceased in the street. Additional footage captured terrified party-goers crouching inside the bar as law enforcement arrived, followed by further gunshots indicating the shooter resumed firing as police approached before being neutralized.
Other videos showed patrons and police officers working together to aid the wounded, with victims audibly screaming in pain amidst the chaos.
Political and International Context
The discovery of Iranian symbols occurred against a backdrop of escalating tensions between the United States and Iran. Just one day prior to the Austin shooting, U.S. and Israeli military operations conducted airstrikes against Iranian targets. Following these strikes, which resulted in the death of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, Iranian officials vowed retaliation against the United States.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed that President Donald Trump had been briefed on the Austin shooting. In a statement posted on X, Leavitt noted that the president had also engaged in discussions with several Middle Eastern leaders on Sunday, including those from Israel, Bahrain, and the United Arab Emirates.
Official Statements and Investigation Direction
Texas Governor Greg Abbott expressed condolences to the victims' families in a statement to CBS, affirming, "Texas mourns with the families and loved ones of those who were horrifically killed in last night's attack in Austin." He added a stern warning: "To anyone who thinks about using the current conflict in the Middle East to threaten Texans or our critical infrastructure, understand this clearly: Texas will respond with decisive and overwhelming force to protect our state."
The National Counterterrorism Center has joined the investigation, examining potential connections between the shooting and foreign terrorism. Authorities have not yet released the identities of the victims as the inquiry continues to develop.
