An Austin, Texas, nightlife district was the scene of a fatal shooting early Sunday, leaving two people dead and 14 others injured. Authorities are investigating the attack as a potential act of terrorism, with early evidence suggesting a possible link to recent U.S. military actions in the Middle East.
The suspect, identified as 53-year-old Ndiaga Diagne, a naturalized U.S. citizen originally from Senegal, was shot and killed by responding officers. According to Austin Police Chief Lisa Davis, Diagne drove past Buford’s Backyard Beer Garden multiple times before stopping his SUV and opening fire on patrons gathered outside. He then exited the vehicle armed with a rifle and continued shooting before police engagement.
Investigators have noted several details pointing toward a ideological motive. Photos released by authorities show Diagne wearing a sweatshirt inscribed with “Property of Allah” and clothing displaying an Iranian flag. A law enforcement source told the New York Post the violence may have been “an act of vengeance over the U.S. attack on Iran.” The FBI’s San Antonio office confirmed it is leading a terrorism investigation, though officials cautioned that a definitive determination is pending.
The attack occurred approximately one day after the U.S. and Israel conducted extensive military strikes on Iran, which Iranian state media claimed killed Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, other senior officials, and hundreds of civilians. Tehran subsequently launched retaliatory missile and drone attacks targeting U.S. and Israeli assets in the region. While the U.S. government has not officially confirmed the strike’s outcomes, the timing has drawn scrutiny from investigators assessing Diagne’s possible motivations.
Public sentiment regarding the strikes appears divided. A Reuters/Ipsos poll released Sunday indicated only 25% of Americans supported the action, with nearly half believing President Donald Trump is too quick to resort to military force. In a Sunday address, President Trump vowed that combat operations would continue until all objectives are met.
The investigation remains active as authorities examine Diagne’s background, digital footprint, and possible connections. The incident highlights ongoing domestic security concerns following escalations in the Middle East and underscores the FBI’s focus on preventing ideologically motivated violence on U.S. soil.
