Austin, Texas, was the scene of a deadly shooting early Sunday morning, leaving two people dead and fourteen others injured. The suspect, identified as 53-year-old Ndiaga Diagne, was killed by police after opening fire in a popular entertainment district, according to authorities. The incident has prompted a large-scale investigation and raised questions about the motive behind the attack.
The shooting unfolded around 2:00 a.m. Local time near the 6th Street entertainment area, a bustling hub for nightlife. Police responded to reports of a gunman firing from an SUV before continuing the attack on foot. Austin Police Chief Lisa Davis stated that Diagne circled the block several times in a large SUV before stopping and beginning to shoot at people from the vehicle with a handgun. He then exited the SUV and continued firing with both a pistol and a rifle as he walked east on 6th Street, according to police.
Officers quickly engaged Diagne, and he was fatally shot at the scene less than a minute after the first shots were fired. The swift response by law enforcement is credited with preventing further casualties, though the impact on the community remains significant. Fourteen patients were transported to local hospitals, with three remaining in critical condition as of Sunday morning, and at least four have since been released, according to St. David’s HealthCare.
Investigators are exploring a possible connection between the shooting and recent U.S. Military action in Iran. A photograph circulating online, reportedly taken the night before the attack, shows Diagne wearing a hoodie with the phrase “Property of Allah” and what appears to be a shirt displaying the Iranian flag. A Koran was also reportedly found in his vehicle. However, Alex Doran, the acting FBI special agent in charge of the San Antonio field office, cautioned that it is too early to determine a definitive motive. The FBI is assisting Austin police in the investigation.
According to the New York Post, Diagne immigrated to the United States from Senegal in the early 2000s and became a naturalized citizen in 2013. Authorities have not yet confirmed these details independently.
Austin Mayor Kirk Watson expressed his condolences to those affected by the shooting and praised the quick response of first responders, stating that their actions likely saved lives. The incident has shaken the city and prompted renewed discussions about gun violence and public safety. The investigation is ongoing, and authorities are urging anyone with information to come forward.
The Austin Police Department is expected to provide further updates on the investigation in the coming days. The focus will remain on establishing a clear motive and understanding the circumstances that led to this tragic event. Anyone with information related to the shooting is encouraged to contact the Austin Police Department.
If you or someone you know has been affected by this incident, resources are available. You can reach the Crisis Text Line by texting HOME to 741741, or call the National Crisis and Suicide Lifeline at 988.
