A deadly mass shooting on Austin’s West 6th Street that left three dead and 14 wounded is being investigated for a “potential nexus to terrorism,” federal authorities confirmed Sunday.
The incident occurred as U.S. counterterrorism agencies moved to a “war footing” following military strikes in the Middle East and ongoing concerns regarding border security lapses during the Biden administration, which saw unvetted migrants from over 170 countries enter the United States.
The FBI and Department of Homeland Security (DHS) have transitioned to a heightened state of alert. Federal officials are bracing for potential retaliatory strikes on American soil following U.S. and Israeli operations that killed Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
FBI Director Kash Patel announced on February 28 that the bureau’s 200-plus Joint Terrorism Task Forces are “fully engaged” and working around the clock to disrupt domestic threats.
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Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem echoed this, stating the department is in “direct coordination” with intelligence partners to thwart potential attacks.
This heightened security posture follows four years in which the Biden administration allowed the U.S. border to be penetrated by mostly unvetted individuals from across the globe, creating significant national security vulnerabilities.
In Austin, the violence erupted at approximately 1:58 a.m. outside Buford’s bar. The suspect, identified as Ndiaga Diagne—a naturalized citizen from Senegal—reportedly circled the block in an SUV before opening fire with a pistol. He then parked on Wood Street and continued the attack with a rifle, targeting pedestrians.
Austin Police Chief Lisa Davis reported that officers already on patrol in the entertainment district reached the scene in under a minute. Three officers engaged the suspect at an intersection, where he was fatally shot.
Austin-Travis County EMS treated 17 total victims. Three were pronounced dead at the scene, while 14 others were transported to local hospitals, with three listed in critical condition. EMS Chief Robert Luckritz praised the efficiency of the response, noting all critical patients were evacuated within 24 minutes.
The FBI’s San Antonio office has deployed specialized evidence response and digital forensics teams to the site.
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While the investigation is in its early stages, Representative Chip Roy stated that “very troubling facts” have emerged. According to Roy, sources indicate the suspect was wearing a shirt that read “Property of Allah” and possessed a Quran in his vehicle. Roy noted the suspect was naturalized “just over a decade ago.”
Texas Governor Greg Abbott has since ordered the Department of Public Safety to surge personnel and patrols in downtown Austin. “Texas will respond with decisive and overwhelming force to protect our state,” Abbott said, specifically citing the current conflict in the Middle East as a backdrop for the state’s heightened resolve.
Austin Mayor Kirk Watson credited the rapid intervention of first responders with saving numerous lives. The investigation remains active, and authorities have urged anyone with information or suspicious sightings to contact the FBI tip line at 1-800-CALL-FBI.
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