Austin Shooting Investigated as Potential Act of Terrorism

Federal investigators are examining whether a shooting in Austin, Texas, on Sunday—that left two people dead and 14 wounded—constitutes a potential act of terrorism. The shooting occurred at Buford’s Backyard Beer Garden in the city’s entertainment district.

What Happened?

Shortly before 2 a.m. On Sunday, March 1, 2026, the suspect, driving a large SUV, repeatedly circled Buford’s Backyard Beer Garden on Sixth Street before opening fire with a pistol at patrons on the patio and those gathered outside the bar, according to Austin Police Chief Lisa Davis CNN. The suspect then exited the vehicle and continued firing with an assault rifle. Police officers responding to the scene fatally shot the gunman.

Three people, including the suspect, died in the attack, and 14 others were injured. All injured individuals were transported to local hospitals, with three listed in critical condition CNN.

The University of Texas at Austin confirmed that members of the university community were among those affected, though their identities have not been publicly released.

Who Was the Suspect?

The Austin Police Department identified the suspect as Ndiaga Diagne, a 53-year-classic man CNN. Diagne was a naturalized U.S. Citizen originally from Senegal. He first came to the U.S. In 2000 on a B-2 tourist visa, married a U.S. Citizen in 2006, became a lawful permanent resident, and ultimately gained citizenship in 2013 Axios.

Law enforcement officials reported that Diagne was wearing a hoodie with the words “Property of Allah” and a shirt displaying an Iranian flag design CNN, Axios, CBS News.

Investigators searched a home in Pflugerville, Texas, linked to a possible relative of Diagne’s. Neighbors described Diagne as someone who kept to himself CBS News.

FBI Investigation and Potential Terrorism Link

The FBI is investigating the shooting as a potential act of terrorism. Acting Special Agent in Charge Alex Doran of the FBI’s San Antonio Field Office stated that while a motive is still under investigation, there were “indicators” on the suspect and in his vehicle suggesting a “potential nexus to terrorism” CNN, Axios, CBS News, Breitbart.

Authorities found an Iranian flag and pictures of Iranian leaders during a search of the suspect’s home CBS News. A Quran was also found in the suspect’s vehicle CBS News.

Official Reactions

Austin Mayor Kirk Watson called the shooting “an extremely difficult, traumatic moment” for the city. Senator Ted Cruz (R-Texas) described the shooting as a “senseless act of violence” and stated his team is coordinating with authorities CBS News.

Texas Governor Greg Abbott, who recently expressed support for the strike on Iran, stated that Texas would respond with “decisive and overwhelming force” to protect the state from any threats related to the Middle East conflict CNN.

The Texas chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations condemned the shooting and cautioned against using the incident to attack the broader Muslim community.