FBI probes “potential nexus to terrorism” in deadly Texas bar shooting

A new photo has emerged of the gunman who police say killed two people and wounded 14 in a Texas bar.

The gunman, who was also killed, was wearing a sweatshirt that said “Property of Allah,” according to two sources familiar with the investigation. The description matches a photo obtained by Fox News that appears to show the gunman carrying a long gun.

There were indicators on the suspect and in his vehicle that suggest a “potential nexus to terrorism,” but it’s too early to determine the motivation, FBI Acting Special Agent Alex Doran said during a briefing Sunday. 

Officials executed a search warrant at the gunman’s home on Sunday and found an Iranian flag and pictures of Iranian leaders, according to an official with direct knowledge of the investigation. Sources told CBS News that the Quran was found in the gunman’s vehicle.

Multiple U.S. officials identified the suspect to CBS News as Ndiaga Diagne, a naturalized American citizen born in Senegal. One source said the suspect was 53 years old. 

Investigators believe the gunman acted alone. Police say he had a handgun and a rifle during the attack. 

Two law enforcement sources told CBS News that investigators say the shooter had had prior mental episodes in Austin. They are looking at whether the shooter was influenced by extremist ideology and if there is a nexus to international terrorism, but cautioned that the individual had prior mental health issues.

The investigation is ongoing, and findings are subject to change, but investigators are looking at whether the suspect self-radicalized. 

The shooting took place a day after the United States and Israel launched a massive military operation on Iran, killing Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on Saturday. 

Two sources told CBS News the gunman arrived in the U.S. in 2000 on a tourist visa, got a green card in 2006 and was naturalized in 2013. The suspect spent time in New York before going to Texas. 

An official from the Office of the Director of National Intelligence told CBS News that its National Counterterrorism Center (NCTC) is working with its partners in Austin, the FBI and local law enforcement to probe any potential ties to foreign terrorism, and that NCTC reps are in constant communication with ODNI’s 24/7 operations center in Washington, D.C., to deliver the most timely, accurate intelligence.

President Trump has been briefed on the shooting in Austin, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said Sunday.

Austin Police Chief Lisa Davis said police received a call for reports of a man shooting at Buford’s, a beer garden in the city’s entertainment district, a little after 1:30 a.m.

Sources told CBS News that the gunman was driving around in an SUV circling the block when he began shooting from the vehicle’s open window at people seated at an outside bar. He then exited the SUV and continued shooting as he walked up the street. He was eventually fatally shot by responding police officers. Multiple weapons were found in the SUV, sources said. 

Fourteen people were hospitalized, and three were in critical condition, Austin-Travis County EMS Chief Robert Luckritz said.

“We received a call at 1:39 a.m., and within 57 seconds, the first paramedics and officers were on scene actively treating the patients,” Luckritz said.

The JTTF is handling the investigation, which is comprised of the FBI, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; Austin police and state police, and they’re looking into the suspect’s background and possibly internet posts, sources said.    

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott said Sunday that he has directed the Texas Military Department to activate service members under Operation Fury Shield, and the Texas Department of Public Safety and the Texas National Guard to increase patrols and surveillance. He also directed the state’s Department of Public Safety to increase patrols and add law enforcement personnel in downtown Austin’s 6th Street District.

“Texas mourns with the families and loved ones of those who were horrifically killed in last night’s attack in Austin. Cecilia and I pray for them, and we pray for the swift recovery of those who were injured,” he said in a statement. 

“This act of violence will not define us, nor will it shake the resolve of Texans. To anyone who thinks about using the current conflict in the Middle East to threaten Texans or our critical infrastructure, understand this clearly: Texas will respond with decisive and overwhelming force to protect our state,” Abbott added.

Texas Sen. Ted Cruz told “Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan” on Sunday morning that “we don’t know for sure” if the shooting was related to terrorism.

“At this point, we don’t know what the evidence will show in terms of whether this was an act of terrorism,” Cruz said. 

The police chief noted how fortunate it was that there was a heavy police presence in Austin’s entertainment district at the time, enabling officers to respond quickly as bars were closing.

“Officers immediately transitioned … and were faced with the individual with a gun,” Davis said. “Three of our officers returned fire, killing the suspect.”

She called the shooting” a tragic, tragic incident.”

Austin Mayor Kirk Watson said his heart goes out to the victims, and he praised the swift response of first responders.

“They definitely saved lives,” he said.

Austin police asked anyone with information about witnesses or videos to submit it online or call 512-974-TIPS.