Police in Texas are investigating a mass shooting at an Austin bar as a potential act of terrorism after the suspect, a Senegalese-born naturalised US citizen, was found to have expressed pro-Iranian sentiments. The attack, which left two people dead and 14 wounded, occurred hours after US airstrikes on Iran.
The gunman, identified as 53-year-old Ndiaga Diagne, was shot and killed by police early on Sunday at the downtown bar popular with students. He was wearing a hoodie with the words 'Property of Allah' and a T-shirt bearing an Iranian flag design, according to law enforcement officials.
The FBI's joint terrorism task force is investigating Diagne's motives. Special agent Alex Doran said there were 'indicators' of a potential nexus to terrorism, though it was too early to make a determination. The suspect was not on any watchlist.
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 evening.
In response to the attack and ongoing Middle East tensions, US authorities have increased security measures. The Pentagon urged military bases to remain alert, while police in New York and Los Angeles enhanced patrols at sensitive locations, including places of worship and cultural sites.
The Site Intelligence Group said Diagne had posted pro-Iranian regime content and hatred for Israeli and American leadership on Facebook dating back to 2017. The investigation continues.
