AUSTIN, Texas (AP) — A mass shooting at a downtown bar in Austin, Texas, occurred in the early hours of March 1, resulting in the deaths of three individuals and injuries to over a dozen others. The shooter, Ndiaga Diagne, was identified as a "lone actor," with investigations revealing no connections to any foreign terrorist organizations, according to an FBI update released on Thursday.
The incident took place at Buford's Backyard Beer Garden, where Diagne was ultimately killed by police. Investigators noted that the shooting transpired shortly after the United States and Israel launched an offensive against Iran. Diagne was reportedly dressed in attire featuring the Iranian flag and the phrase "Property of Allah," which may have influenced his actions.
Despite investigating various potential motives, the FBI concluded that direct evidence explaining Diagne's motivation for the attack was lacking. However, they suggested that the ongoing conflict involving Iran likely played a role in prompting Diagne's violent behavior, culminating in the attack at the bar, as described in their report.
Investigators discovered that Diagne had a notable admiration for Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Iran's former leader, who was killed prior to the shooting. His affinity for the Iranian leadership was seen as a contributing factor to the violent act he carried out alone. The report emphasized that Diagne had never been previously investigated by the FBI.
Diagne, 53, originally hailed from Senegal and entered the United States in 2000 on a B-2 tourist visa. He became a lawful permanent resident six years later after marrying a U.S. citizen, according to the Department of Homeland Security. The FBI's report clarified that there was currently no evidence tying him to any foreign terrorist agendas or collaborations.
The bar, located in one of Austin's most vibrant nightlife areas, was the scene of chaos as Diagne fired shots from his SUV toward individuals both on the sidewalk and inside the establishment. After circling back, he exited his vehicle with a rifle and began shooting at pedestrians. Police arrived rapidly, within 56 seconds of the first 911 call, and engaged the shooter after he fired at them.
Among the victims of this tragic event were Savitha Shan, 21, Ryder Harrington, 19, and Jorge Pederson, 30. The FBI has confirmed that the investigation into the mass shooting remains open as they continue to gather information surrounding the incident.
