Suspect identified in Texas bar shooting that left 2 dead, 14 injured
Suspect Identified in Texas Bar Shooting That Left 2 Dead, 14 Injured
Gunman’s Actions and Initial Response
Authorities have pinpointed the individual responsible for a deadly shooting at a downtown Austin bar as a 53-year-old man, confirmed by sources connected to the investigation. The incident unfolded shortly before 2 a.m. on Sunday when police received reports of gunfire at Buford’s, a well-known beer garden. According to Austin Police Chief Lisa Davis, the suspect was observed circling the area in an SUV multiple times before the attack.
“At one point, he activated his hazard lights, lowered his window, and began firing from the vehicle with a pistol, striking individuals on the bar’s patio and in front of the establishment,” Davis stated during a press briefing.
Following the initial volley, the suspect parked his car and transitioned to a rifle, targeting pedestrians along the street. Officers encountered him during this phase and fatally shot him on the spot. Texas officials have yet to formally announce the suspect’s name, though it has been shared with NBC News by multiple informants.
Background of the Suspect
The identified suspect, Ndiaga Diagne, is a naturalized citizen from Senegal. He initially entered the U.S. on a B-2 tourist visa on March 13, 2000, and later secured lawful permanent residency through marriage to a U.S. citizen in 2006. His naturalization was finalized in 2013, according to a Homeland Security official.
Diagne was previously arrested in 2022 for a vehicle collision. The details of his case were disclosed by the official, but no further information about his recent activities was immediately available. Investigators are currently assessing whether the shooting stems from terrorism or is linked to an individual with mental health concerns.
Investigation and Government Involvement
While the investigation remains in its early stages, sources suggest Diagne may have acted alone without apparent state affiliations. Alex Doran, an FBI agent from the San Antonio field office, noted that potential connections to terrorism were observed in the suspect’s vehicle and behavior.
“There were signs pointing to a possible link to terrorism, but it’s still too soon to confirm that,” Doran remarked.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives has joined the local police in the probe. Meanwhile, President Donald Trump was informed about the shooting, though no additional details about the suspect’s profile or motivations were released.
Victim Impact and Emergency Response
Three fatalities were reported as a result of the shooting, including the suspect himself. Emergency services confirmed that 14 others were taken to hospitals, with three in critical condition. Paramedics were already stationed in the entertainment district when the gunfire began, responding within a minute of the call.
“We received the alert at 1:59 a.m., and within 57 seconds, paramedics and officers were on scene treating the injured,” said Robert Luckritz, head of the county’s emergency medical services.
Austin Mayor Kirk Watson praised the swift action of public safety officials, emphasizing that their rapid response likely saved lives. Governor Greg Abbott echoed this sentiment, expressing solidarity with victims and assuring the public of the state’s commitment to security.
