In a tragic turn of events early Sunday morning, a mass shooting in downtown Austin, Texas, has claimed the lives of three individuals and left 14 others injured. The incident unfolded less than a mile from the Texas State Capitol, prompting an FBI Task Force to take over the investigation.
The chaos erupted just before 2:00 a.m. at Buford’s Backyard Beer Garden on West 6th Street, as patrons were about to leave for the night, according to reports by The New York Post.
The suspect in the shooting has been identified as Ndiaga Diagne.
Austin Police Chief Lisa Davis reported that the suspect arrived in an SUV, activated the vehicle’s hazard lights, and proceeded to open fire from the window at patrons gathered on the bar’s patio and near the entrance.
The situation intensified as Diagne exited the vehicle with a rifle in hand. Witnesses and officials recounted that he began firing randomly at people passing by the venue, as detailed by WLWT.
Police officers, who were patrolling the east side of 6th Street, responded swiftly, arriving at the scene within 57 seconds. Three officers engaged the suspect, resulting in his death.
“Officers immediately transitioned, came over East 6th to West 6th Street, and were faced with the individual with a gun,” Austin Police Chief Lisa Davis said.
Austin Mayor Kirk Watson praised the first responders, saying their actions were “heroic” and that they “definitely saved lives.”
There is a possibility the shooting could be related to terrorism, according to acting Special Agent in Charge Alex Doran of the FBI San Antonio Field Office, who referred to the shooting as “potentially” an act of terrorism.
“There were indicators that on the subject and in his vehicle that indicate a potential nexus to terrorism. Again, it’s still too early to make a determination on that,” Doran stated.
As of Sunday afternoon, no victims have been publicly identified. The area surrounding West 6th Street remains a heavy crime scene as federal and local authorities continue their sweep for evidence, according to the Post.
The Austin Police Department encourages anyone with any information or videos to contact 512-974-TIPS, or submit your tip(s) anonymously through the Capital Area Crime Stoppers Program at http://austincrimestoppers.org or 512-472-8477.
The story is developing. Check back for updates.
[Feature Photo: Shutterstock]
