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Authorities investigating the Sunday morning shooting outside an Austin, Texas bar have discovered evidence suggesting a “possible link to terrorism.” Among the findings in the suspect’s apartment were photographs of Iranian leaders, according to recent reports.
The suspect, identified as 53-year-old Ndiaga Diagne, was a naturalized U.S. citizen originally from Senegal. Sources informed Fox News that Diagne was responsible for the early morning shooting near Buford’s Backyard Beer Garden. CBS News reported that Iranian leader photos and an Iranian flag were found in his home. The tragic event resulted in three fatalities, including Diagne himself, and left 14 others wounded.
Further investigation by law enforcement revealed that the shooter wore a sweatshirt emblazoned with “Property of Allah” and an undershirt featuring an Iranian flag. Additionally, a Quran was reportedly discovered in his vehicle.
During a press briefing on Monday, officials confirmed that 21-year-old Savitha Shan and 19-year-old Ryder Harrington were among those killed in the attack.
Federal law enforcement sources described the gunman as carrying a rifle and wearing a hoodie with references to “Allah” at the time of the incident. He was ultimately shot and killed by police, as reported by Fox News.
A picture of Ryder Harrington who was killed in the early-morning mass shooting along Austin’s Sixth Street. (Instagram/@ttubeta)
Police Chief Lisa Davis said Diagne “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.”
Davis said that the suspect exited his vehicle and shot at individuals, but didn’t enter the bar.
WARNING – GRAPHIC CONTENT:
Ndiaga Diagne, 53, shot and killed two people and injured 14 others, police said. He was wearing a shirt featuring an Iranian flag. (Obtained by Fox News)
FBI Acting Special Agent in Charge Alex Doran said during a press conference on Sunday that investigators are looking into a motive.
“Obviously, it’s still way too early in the process to determine an exact motivation,” Doran said. “But there were indicators that on the subject and in his vehicle that indicate potential nexus to terrorism.”
Members of the FBI and local law enforcement investigate outside of Buford’s bar in downtown on March 1, 2026, in Austin, Texas. (Brandon Bell/Getty Images)
Retired FBI Supervisory Agent James Gagliano, who was once on the agency’s counterterror unit, told Fox News Digital the shooting “seems to have all the earmarks of a terrorist attack.”
“Was this somebody who was an aspirant that saw somebody else do this and said, ‘I want to do the same thing?’ Or was this person directed?” Gagliano said. “It clearly looks like a lone wolf type of thing, so it looks like an inspired or an aspirant, in my estimation.”
Timeline:
March 13, 2000 – Entered U.S.:
Diagne entered the United States in 2000 on a B-2 tourist visa.
2001 – Arrested in New York City:
Diagne was arrested in 2001 in New York City for illegal vending. According to the New York Post, he also has three other arrests in the city between 2001 and 2016, but those records are sealed.
June 2006 – Became a lawful permanent resident:
Diagne became a lawful permanent resident after he married a U.S. citizen.
Austin Police Department released a photo of Ndiaga Diagne as the suspect tied to Sunday’s mass shooting. (Austin Police Department)
April 5, 2013 – Became a naturalized U.S. citizen
Jan. 30, 2016 – Allegedly hit another person with his car:
Diagne allegedly hit a person with his car on Jan. 30, 2016, according to the New York Post.
The victim claimed she “sustained severe and permanent personal injuries, became sick, sore, lame and disabled; suffered injuries to her nervous system; suffered mental anguish, was confined to hospital, bed and home and may, in the future, be so confined,” according to a lawsuit filed against Diagne.
2017 – Diagne obtained firearm used in attack:
The Austin Police Department said in a news conference that Diagne legally obtained the firearm used in the attack while in San Antonio.
Federal agents comb the scene of a potential terrorist attack shooting in Austin, Texas. (Aaron E. Martinez/Getty Images)
2022 – Arrested in Texas:
Diagne was arrested in Texas in 2022 on charges of collision with vehicle damage.
March 1, 2026, around 1:58 a.m. – Began shooting at Austin, Texas bar
March 1, 2026, around 2:00 a.m. – Fatally shot by police
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