Austin Mass Shooter Identified as Senegal National Who Naturalized 10 Years Ago
The suspect in the mass shooting was identified as Ndiaga Diagne, a naturalized U.S. citizen born in Senegal who became a citizen about 10 years ago. In an article published Sunday, Congressman Chip Roy (R-TX) reported hearing from multiple sources that the suspect was wearing a shirt saying “Property of Allah” and that a copy of the Quran was found in his vehicle.
Early Sunday, the Federal Bureau of Investigation told reporters it had discovered evidence at the scene of the mass shooting at a popular Austin nightclub, indicating a potential link to terrorism. At the latest news conference in Austin early Sunday morning, FBI Acting Special Agent Alex Doran of the San Antonio FBI office said evidence was found on the shooter and in his vehicle.
Although not publicly confirmed by authorities, Ndiaga Diagne’s identity was confirmed in a CBS Austin report hours after the shooting. Multiple reports indicate that Diagne resides in Pflugerville, Texas and is 53 years old. No additional information regarding the motive has been released by authorities.
A photo of the shooter is circulating widely on social media. It shows a man wearing a “Property of Allah” sweatshirt and carrying a rifle. MP Roy also published the photo without comment.
As Breitbart Texas reports, at least three people were killed and 14 others were injured after gunshots rang out at a popular bar on Sixth Street in the Texas capital of Austin early Sunday morning. According to authorities, the shooter was killed by police officers who responded to the scene of the shooting less than a minute after the first emergency call.
Speaking at the latest press conference, FBI Acting Special Agent Doran told reporters that the FBI was working with the Austin Police Department to collect and process evidence at the scene, including the agency’s Evidence Response Team and digital forensics specialists. Commenting on the link to terrorism, Doran said: “It is still too early to determine an exact motivation, but there were indicators on the subject and in his vehicle that indicate a potential link to terrorism. »
Austin Police Chief Lisa Davis provided more details about the shooting, telling reporters that the incident began when the suspect, who has not been identified, drove his large SUV-like vehicle to Buford’s Backyard Beer Garden and began shooting toward the establishment with a pistol. According to Davis, the shooter struck several patrons of the bar who were on the terrace and in front of the establishment.
The suspect, according to Davis, left the scene and walked further down Sixth Street, where he was encountered by Austin police officers who engaged the suspect and killed him less than a minute later.
Travis County Emergency Medical Services Chief Robert Luckritz reiterated to reporters at the latest news conference that three people, including the shooter, died at or near the scene. Emergency medical services personnel encountered 17 injured victims, 14 of whom were subsequently transported to area hospitals. Three of the people transported to area hospitals were in critical condition. Luckritz provided no updates on their condition.
Texas Governor Greg Abbott released a statement on the shooting Sunday, saying 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 for the speedy recovery of those who were injured. I have been in contact with Mayor Watson and DPS Director Martin and have offered the full support of the State of Texas to ensure all assistance and resources are deployed.
Randy Clark is a 32-year veteran of the United States Border Patrol. Prior to his retirement, he served as Division Chief of Law Enforcement Operations, directing operations of nine Border Patrol stations in the Del Rio Sector, Texas. Follow him on X (formerly Twitter) @RandyClarkBBTX.
