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In the early hours of Sunday morning, a violent spree in downtown Austin, Texas, resulted in the tragic deaths of three individuals and injuries to 14 others. The FBI has indicated that this harrowing event, which unfolded in the city’s vibrant entertainment district, might have been an act of terrorism.
Federal law enforcement officials have identified the suspect as a 53-year-old naturalized U.S. citizen originally from Senegal. Residing in Pflugerville, Texas, the individual has become the focus of intense scrutiny following the attack.
Witnesses and authorities described a chilling scene as the suspect was seen wearing garments emblazoned with “Allah” and an undershirt featuring the Iranian flag. A photograph obtained by Fox News depicts the alleged shooter brandishing a rifle, clad in a sweater with the phrase “property of Allah.”
The terrifying episode began just before 2 a.m. near Buford’s Backyard Beer Garden on West Sixth Street. This area, known for its bustling nightlife, became a scene of chaos when the suspect circled the block in a large SUV before opening fire.
Before being shot and killed by police, the assailant was reportedly captured in images, armed and wearing a hoodie with references to “Allah.” The investigation continues as authorities piece together the motivations and circumstances behind this devastating act.
“Obviously, it’s still way too early in the process to determine an exact motivation, but there were indicators on the subject and in his vehicle that indicate potential nexus to terrorism,” Alex Dorn, acting special agent in charge of the FBI’s San Antonio Field Office, said at a Sunday press conference.
“Again, it’s still too early to make a determination on that. That’s why we are investigating it very closely with our partners with Austin police department,” Dorn added.
At least three people died and 14 others were injured after a gunman opened fire at a crowded Austin bar early Sunday, police said. (Jay Janner/Austin American-Statesman via AP)
When pressed by a reporter on whether the case involved domestic or international terrorism, Dorn said the Joint Terrorism Task Force is engaged.
Austin-Travis County EMS said three victims were killed after a bar shooting. (Ricardo B. Brazziell/Austin American-Statesman via AP)
“We’re just at this point prepared to say that it was potentially an act of terrorism,” he added.
Police Chief Lisa Davis said the gunman “put his flashers on, rolled 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 that were in front of the Bar.”
The suspect then drove westbound on Sixth Street to Wood Street, parked, exited the vehicle with a rifle and continued shooting at pedestrians, Davis said.
Authorities said the first responders arrived within a minute of the 1:39 a.m. call and began treating victims immediately. (Ricardo B. Brazziell/Austin American-Statesman via AP)
“He never entered the bar,” she added.
Officers staged nearby for weekend crowds responded within about “55-56 seconds,” Davis said. Police shot and killed the suspect at an intersection.
The shooting comes amid ongoing safety concerns along Austin’s Sixth Street entertainment strip, which has seen multiple violent incidents in recent years as police and business owners work to improve crowd-control measures, according to local KVUE.
“There is chaos in front of that bar every weekend, OK? This is not a new thing,” Hugo Mendez, owner of Blindside Tattoos and Blindside Lounge, told the outlet. “It’s not necessarily Sixth Street. It’s certain bars… that don’t carry the standard.”
Authorities have set up a Victim Services Unit hotline for families seeking information.
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