Austin Shooting That Killed Two Investigated for Possible Link to Iran Strikes, FBI Says

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has launched an investigation after two people were killed and 14 others injured in a shootout at Austin Texas on March 1. Several indicators from the preliminary investigation suggest there may be a link to the recent strike carried out in Iran.

Officers have identified the suspect as 53-year-old Nidiaga Diagne. Diagne was a naturalized American citizen who was born in Senegal, CBS reported. Officers responded to a call at 2 a.m. on March 1, near Buford’s Bar in Austin, Texas. Police said they shot and killed the suspect, bringing the death toll to three.

Although the investigation is still in its early stages, information might change as it progresses. According to sources familiar with the investigation, the gunman was wearing a sweatshirt with the words “property of Allah” written on it, CBS reported.

Sources have also revealed that the suspect was seen driving around the block before opening fire at people sitting in the outdoor seating area at the bar. The suspect then got out of his car and continued shooting as he walked down the street.

An official familiar with the investigation told CBS that an Iranian flag was discovered in his home along with pictures of Iranian leaders. Officers also found a Quran in his SUV. The timing of the attack might not be a co-incidence because it occurred when the United States and Israel launched strikes on Iran resulting in the killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

Alex Doran, acting head of the FBI’s San Antonio Field Office, told reporters “Obviously, it's way too early in the process to determine the exact motivation.” He added, “But there were indicators on the subject, and in his vehicle there was a potential nexus to terrorism.”

However, the Washington Post reported that authorities do not believe Diagne was working with any group connected to Iran.

Austin Police Chief Lisa David said officers who were on patrol in the popular bar district known as East Sixth Street quickly responded to reports of a man with a gun at Buford’s, located on West Sixth Street.

Officials said the SUV the suspect was driving on the night of the attack was searched and no explosives were found.

According to Austin Current, Kelson Lee, 25, was within earshot when gunfire erupted at Buford’s. He then walked inside to look for a friend. “I saw about seven to eight bodies on the floor,” Lee said. “No one should ever have to see that. I kind of blacked out, frozen up. I did not know what to do, because I wanted to help people.”

According to White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, U.S. President Donald Trump has been notified about the shooting.