Three people are dead and 14 others wounded after a gunman opened fire early Sunday outside a crowded bar on Austin’s Sixth Street. Police say the suspect shot from his SUV before getting out with a rifle and continuing to fire into the crowd. Officers confronted and shot him within minutes of the first 911 call.
Authorities identified the gunman as 53-year-old Ndiaga Diagne, a naturalized U.S. citizen originally from Senegal. Investigators say he was wearing clothing featuring an Iranian flag and the words “Property of Allah.” The FBI is investigating the attack as potential terrorism, citing indicators found on the suspect and in his vehicle.
Three victims remain in critical condition as the University of Texas community reels from the violence just blocks from campus. The governor says Texas will respond aggressively to anyone using overseas conflict to threaten the state. Officials credit the heavy weekend police presence in the entertainment district with preventing even more casualties.