The FBI says it is investigating whether the shooting in Austin that killed two and injured 14 might be an act of terrorism, but cautions it’s still early in the investigation.
“There were indicators that on the subject and in his vehicle that indicate potential nexus to terrorism,” said FBI Acting Special Agent in Charge Alex Doran.
Four people briefed on the investigation told NBC News the gunman has been identified as Ndiaga Diagne, a 53 year old a naturalized US citizen from Senegal.
Public records examined by NBC 5 show he has past ties to San Antonio and New York.
The sources briefed on the investigation say investigators are also looking at whether the shooting might be linked to mental health issues. But they stress again that information may change as things unfold.
The sources said so far, it appears the shooter acted alone and had no ties to any state actor.
The attack in Austin came within hours of US airstrikes against Iran, raising questions about whether the two might be connected.
The US State Department has issued a warning to Americans across the globe to be on alert for possible retaliation.
“You cannot harden every target. There are so many mass gatherings in this country,” Retired FBI Dallas JTTF Supervisor Tom Petrowski.
Petrowski says soft targets like crowded bar areas are especially challenging.
Austin police say the gunman fired first from a moving SUV, hitting people outside a popular bar. Then driving west on 6th to Wood Street. Where he parks, gets out, and opens fire again before walking east on 6th.
Austin Police Department Chief Lisa Davis said, “Officers were coming toward him, and at the intersection, he was shot, and he was killed.”
Police say they responded within about a minute, but by then, already more than a dozen people were hit.
Now law enforcement analysts say the top priority for investigators is determining if anyone, or any group, inspired the shooter.
“This was a form of suicide. He knew when he went there and started shooting, he wasn’t gonna come out of that alive or not in jail,” said Petrowski.
That frightening ending is playing out overnight in the heart of Texas.