AUSTIN, Texas (KTRK) — Authorities say two people were killed and 14 others were injured in a mass shooting at a bar in Austin just before 2 a.m. on Sunday, police said, adding that officers had also fatally shot a suspect.
According to law enforcement sources, the suspect was identified as 53-year-old Ndiaga Diagne from Pflugerville, Texas. Officials say he was born in Senegal and was a naturalized citizen.
Austin Police Chief Lisa Davis said the suspect drove around the block near the bar several times before he fired at people in front of the bar and on the bar’s patio from his vehicle with a pistol.
Then, police say, the suspect drove west on Sixth Street, parked his car, exited with a rifle, and shot at people walking by. He continued to walk east on Sixth Street, where officers confronted him and then returned fire, killing the suspect.
According to authorities, a pistol and a rifle were recovered at the scene.
Multiple law enforcement officials say Diagne was wearing clothing that made reference to Allah and a t-shirt that said “Iran” with an Iranian flag underneath the word.
In a press conference, FBI special agent Alex Doran said there were “indicators on the suspect and in his vehicle” that show potential ties to terrorism, but he said it’s too early in the investigation to make a full determination on it.
Law enforcement said it is looking into the suspect’s mental health.
They also said, as of now, this is being investigated as a lone wolf incident rather than a larger plot.
UT student Walker Deyo said he was there when the shots rang out.
“20 shots, 30 shots,” Deyo said. “Everyone goes into full panic. Starts running around everywhere, diving all over the floor. I mean, it was just unbelievable.”
Deyo said in that moment, the only thought in his mind was if the people shot were going to be okay.
Ultimately, this tragedy left a lasting impact on him and many others.
“It’s scarring for sure. A place that we come every weekend and every week,” Deyo said. “Now, it’s like, do I want to come back to Sixth Street?”
EMS Chief Robert Luckritz said three people died at the scene, and 14 people were injured and transported to hospitals. Of those injured, three were in critical condition.
Austin Mayor Kirk Watson praised the rapid response by police and other first responders.
“They definitely saved lives,” Watson said.
Governor Greg Abbott released a statement on Sunday afternoon, offering condolences to the victims and their families. Abbott also announced new measures to increase patrolling law enforcement in the area, stating in part:
“I also directed the Texas Department of Public Safety and Texas National Guard to intensify patrols and surveillance. Texas is relentlessly working with our federal partners to ensure every necessary resource is deployed to defend our communities.
“And today, I directed the DPS to increase patrols and add law enforcement personnel in the 6th Street District in downtown Austin during weekends. We must ensure enough boots on the ground to discourage criminal activity.”
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The Associated Press contributed to this report
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