Suspect identified in Texas bar shooting that left 2 dead, 14 injured

Suspect Identified in Texas Bar Shooting That Left 2 Dead, 14 Injured

Early Sunday morning, a shooter responsible for two fatalities and 14 injuries opened fire on patrons outside an Austin bar, Buford’s, a bustling downtown beer garden. The 53-year-old suspect has now been named as Ndiaga Diagne, according to sources connected to the ongoing investigation. Austin Police Chief Lisa Davis confirmed the incident during a news briefing, noting that officers responded to the shooting at approximately 1:58 a.m.

Diagne, a naturalized citizen from Senegal, initially entered the U.S. on a B-2 tourist visa in 2000. He later became a lawful permanent resident in 2006 following marriage to a U.S. citizen and was granted citizenship in 2013, a Homeland Security official disclosed to NBC News. The official also revealed that Diagne had been arrested in 2022 for a vehicle collision in Texas.

Davis detailed the suspect’s actions, describing how he circled the block multiple times in an SUV before launching the attack. At one point, he activated his hazard lights, rolled down his window, and began firing from the car, striking individuals on the bar’s patio and in front of the establishment. After parking the vehicle, Diagne exited with a rifle and continued shooting pedestrians along West Sixth Street. Officers apprehended him at that moment, leading to his immediate death.

“At one point, he put his flashers on, pulled down his window and began using a pistol, shooting out of his car windows, striking patrons of the bar that were on the patio, and out in front of the bar,” Davis said.

Authorities have yet to confirm whether the shooting was an act of terrorism or the work of an individual with mental health concerns. Four individuals briefed on the case emphasized that the investigation remains in its early stages, with details subject to change. Current information suggests Diagne operated independently, with no known ties to any state or organization.

Alex Doran, a special agent with the San Antonio FBI field office, stated that the federal agency is collaborating with local police to probe the incident. “There were indicators that on the subject and in his vehicle that indicate potential nexus to terrorism,” Doran noted. “Again, it’s still too early to make a determination on that.”

Austin Mayor Kirk Watson praised the swift response of emergency personnel, crediting police and paramedics for their rapid action. “I want to say … that I’m very thankful for the speed with which our public safety officials responded to this,” Watson remarked. “I don’t think there’s any question that has saved lives.”

Texas Governor Greg Abbott expressed solidarity with the victims, stating in a Sunday address that the state is mourning the loss of life and praying for the recovery of all injured individuals. “This act of violence will not define us, nor will it shake the resolve of Texans,” Abbott said. He also warned against using Middle Eastern conflicts to threaten Texans, referencing recent joint operations between the U.S. and Israeli governments that targeted Iran.

Abbott highlighted measures taken to enhance security, including increased patrols at energy facilities, ports, and the border, along with expanded cybersecurity personnel and unmanned aerial surveillance. Buford’s, located just two miles from the University of Texas campus and less than a mile from the Texas Capitol, remains a focal point of the investigation.