UPDATE: A mass shooting in Austin, Texas, has left two dead and 14 others injured after a gunman identified as Ndiaga Diagne opened fire outside Buford’s Backyard Beer Garden early this morning. The FBI is investigating the incident as a possible act of terrorism, amid reports linking the shooting to recent U.S. military actions in Iran.
At approximately 01:58 local time on March 1, 2026, chaos erupted when Diagne, a 53-year-old American citizen born in Senegal, reportedly drove a large SUV around the block before stopping to fire a pistol and then a rifle at patrons and passersby. Eyewitnesses described the scene as terrifying, with multiple gunshots ringing out in the popular nightlife area.
Law enforcement responded swiftly, engaging and shooting Diagne dead. Police Chief Lisa Davis confirmed the immediate threat posed by the assailant, while Mayor Kirk Watson praised the rapid response that likely prevented further casualties.
“We are heartbroken by this tragic loss of life and stand in solidarity with the victims and their families,” Mayor Watson stated.
Social media has identified Diagne as wearing a shirt stating “Property of Allah” during the attack, with a Quran found in his vehicle. These details have led investigators to probe potential ideological motives. The FBI’s San Antonio office indicated that there are “indicators” suggesting a possible connection to terrorism, although they cautioned that it is too early to draw definitive conclusions about Diagne’s motives or affiliations.
Authorities have emphasized that while the items found may suggest sympathies with extremist causes, further investigations, including psychological evaluations and digital evidence reviews, are necessary to understand the full context of this tragic event. The shooting comes at a time of heightened tensions between the U.S. and Iran, following military strikes that resulted in the death of Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
In the aftermath of the shooting, the vibrant West Sixth Street area has been cordoned off as a crime scene, with local businesses temporarily closing. First responders arrived within less than a minute of the emergency call, underscoring the urgency of the situation. Community leaders are urging anyone with information or video footage to come forward as investigators work to piece together the sequence of events.
As the investigation unfolds, the FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force is now leading the inquiry into whether this incident qualifies as a terrorist act. The community’s safety and the broader implications of this violence are at the forefront of discussions among local officials and law enforcement.
Public records and further details about Diagne’s background remain under investigation, and authorities have not yet released information regarding any prior police records or personal history. Local and federal officials have pledged to keep the public informed as new developments arise.
As the situation continues to develop, the focus remains on understanding the full impact and motivations behind this tragic incident. Authorities are treating all indications of ideologically driven violence with utmost seriousness.
