Austin faces a terrorism investigation after two people were killed, more than a dozen wounded, and the gunman was shot dead outside Buford’s bar early Sunday.
Police say officers killed the suspect after responding to reports of an active shooter at about 02:00 local time, and the FBI’s San Antonio office has signalled a possible nexus to terrorism.
Local authorities said the suspect, identified by US media as Ndiaga Diagne, a naturalised American born in Senegal, drove a large SUV to the scene, put on hazard lights, rolled down a window and fired a pistol at people on the patio and pavement outside the beer garden. He then parked, got out with a rifle and walked back toward the bar. Three officers confronted him at an intersection and shot and killed him. Police searched the vehicle and found no explosives.
Acting Special Agent in Charge Alex Doran said investigators found indications in the SUV and on the suspect that suggested a "nexus to terrorism", but he added the inquiry was in its early stages and he was "not prepared to release those details". "We are committed to seeing this process through to the very end," he said.
Two sources told CBS News the gunman wore a sweatshirt reading "Property of Allah", and an official said officers who searched the suspect’s home found an Iranian flag and pictures of Iranian leaders.
The attack occurred the same weekend the US and Israel launched strikes on Iran that killed Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, a development officials will weigh as the probe continues.
Of the survivors, 14 people were taken to hospital, three in critical condition, Austin-Travis County Emergency Management Services head Rob Luckritz said. Witness Kelson Lee, 25, said he saw "about seven to eight bodies on the floor" and that he "kind of blacked out, froze up" after moving inside to look for a friend.
Officials reported rapid coordination across local, state and federal lines. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said President Donald Trump had been notified.
Senator Ted Cruz called the attack "a senseless act of violence" and praised law enforcement. Austin Mayor Kirk Watson highlighted a 57 second response time and said, "I'm very thankful for the speed.
They definitely saved lives." Governor Greg Abbott vowed the violence "will not define us, nor will it shake the resolve of Texans." Jim Davis, president of the University of Texas, offered prayers for victims and the community.
The investigation remains active, with police yet to formally confirm the suspect’s identity or a motive. Federal and local authorities say they will continue to gather evidence and brief the public as new details emerge.
