Austin, TX — Federal authorities are investigating whether a mass shooting in downtown Austin early Sunday may have been influenced by escalating tensions between the U.S., Israel and Iran, according to reporting by Bloomberg.
Three people were killed and 14 others wounded shortly before 2 a.m. when a gunman opened fire near Buford’s Bar on West Sixth Street. Austin Police Chief Lisa Davis said the suspect first fired from a sport-utility vehicle before exiting with a rifle and continuing the attack on pedestrians. Officers confronted and shot the suspect within roughly a minute of the initial 911 call.
Seventeen people were treated overall, with three pronounced dead at the scene and three others listed in critical condition, according to Austin-Travis County EMS.
Alex Dorne, acting special agent in charge of the FBI’s San Antonio field office, said investigators found “indicators on the subject and in his vehicle” suggesting a “potential nexus to terrorism.” A Quran was reportedly recovered from the vehicle, and authorities said the suspect wore clothing bearing religious references.
The suspect was identified as Ndiaga Diagne, 52, a naturalized U.S. citizen originally from Senegal. Officials noted he had a documented history of mental illness. The Joint Terrorism Task Force is assisting as investigators review whether the attack was ideologically motivated.
Sources:
Discover more from News Facts Network
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
