A recently surfaced image shows the suspect identified by authorities as the individual responsible for the deaths of two people and injuries to 14 others at a bar in Austin, Texas.
According to two sources familiar with the investigation, the assailant, who was fatally shot by law enforcement, donned a sweatshirt emblazoned with the phrase "Property of Allah" during the incident. This description aligns with a photograph acquired by Fox News that seemingly depicts the assailant wielding a long firearm.
During a briefing on Sunday, FBI Acting Special Agent Alex Doran stated that there were signs related to the suspect and his vehicle indicating a “possible connection to terrorism,” although he emphasized that it was premature to ascertain the motive.
On Sunday, officials executed a search warrant at the home of the gunman and discovered an Iranian flag along with images of Iranian leaders, as reported by a source familiar with the investigation. CBS News reported that the Quran was also located inside the gunman’s vehicle.
An image depicts the alleged shooter who opened fire at a bar in Austin, Texas, during the early hours of Sunday, March 1, 2026. U.S. authorities have named the suspect to CBS News as Ndiaga Diagne, a naturalized citizen of the United States originally from Senegal. Fox News
Several U.S. officials disclosed to CBS News that the individual in question is Ndiaga Diagne, an American citizen who was born in Senegal. According to one source, the individual is 53 years old.
Authorities suspect that the shooter acted independently. Law enforcement reports indicate he was armed with both a handgun and a rifle during the incident.
According to two law enforcement officials speaking to CBS News, investigators have indicated that the shooter experienced previous mental health crises in Austin. They are examining whether extremist beliefs played a role and if there is a connection to international terrorism, while also noting the individual’s history of mental health challenges.
The inquiry is still in progress, and results may evolve, but investigators are examining if the suspect underwent self-radicalization.
The incident occurred just one day after the United States and Israel initiated a significant military campaign against Iran, resulting in the death of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on Saturday.
According to two sources, CBS News reported that the shooter entered the United States in 2000 with a tourist visa, obtained a green card in 2006, and became a naturalized citizen in 2013. The individual lived in New York for a period before relocating to Texas.
A representative from the Office of the Director of National Intelligence informed CBS News that the National Counterterrorism Center (NCTC) is collaborating with partners in Austin, the FBI, and local law enforcement to investigate any possible connections to foreign terrorism. Additionally, NCTC officials are in ongoing communication with ODNI’s round-the-clock operations center in Washington, D.C., to provide the most prompt and precise intelligence.
On Sunday, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt announced that President Trump has received updates regarding the shooting incident in Austin.
Austin’s Police Chief Lisa Davis reported that officers were alerted about a man firing shots at Buford’s, a beer garden located in the city’s entertainment area, shortly after 1:30 a.m.
According to sources cited by CBS News, the shooter was driving an SUV around the block when he started firing from the open window at individuals sitting at an outdoor bar. Afterward, he exited the vehicle and continued to shoot while walking down the street. Ultimately, he was shot and killed by police officers who responded to the scene. Multiple firearms were discovered inside the SUV, as reported by sources.
Authorities are examining the location of a shooting that occurred at Buford’s in Austin on Sunday, March 1, 2026. Photo by Aaron E. Martinez/Austin American-Statesman via AP
According to Austin-Travis County EMS Chief Robert Luckritz, fourteen individuals were admitted to the hospital, with three of them in critical condition.
"We got a call at 1:39 a.m., and in just 57 seconds, the first responders and paramedics arrived on the scene to begin treating the victims," Luckritz stated.
"At this stage, we are uncertain about what the evidence will reveal regarding whether this was an act of terrorism," Cruz stated.
The police chief remarked on the fortunate timing of a significant police presence in Austin’s entertainment district, which allowed officers to react swiftly as bars were closing down.
"The officers quickly adapted to the situation … and encountered the individual armed with a firearm," Davis stated. "Three of our officers returned fire, resulting in the suspect’s death."
She referred to the shooting as "a heartbreaking, heartbreaking event."
Austin’s Mayor Kirk Watson expressed his condolences to the victims and commended the rapid actions of the first responders.
"They certainly preserved lives," he remarked.
The Austin police have requested that anyone who has information regarding witnesses or footage submit it online or contact 512-974-TIPS.
