Unraveling Austin's Chaos: Suspect's History and Potential Terror Ties Under Investigation in Mass Shooting

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The gunman involved in the tragic shooting outside a bar in Austin, Texas, on Sunday morning had images of Iranian leaders in his apartment, sparking an investigation into a “potential nexus to terrorism,” according to reports.

Ndiaga Diagne, 53, who was originally from Senegal but had become a naturalized U.S. citizen, was identified as the suspect in the shooting that occurred just before 2 a.m. outside Buford’s Backyard Beer Garden. Law enforcement sources disclosed to Fox News that inside Diagne’s residence, investigators found pictures of Iranian leaders along with an Iranian flag. The incident resulted in the deaths of three people, including Diagne, and left 14 others injured, according to officials.

Additional information provided to Fox News revealed that Diagne was dressed in a sweatshirt reading “Property of Allah” and an undershirt featuring an Iranian flag during the attack. A Quran was also discovered in his vehicle.

At a press conference held on Monday, authorities confirmed that 21-year-old Savitha Shan and 19-year-old Ryder Harrington were among those who lost their lives in the shooting.

Austin shooting suspect wearing hoodie referencing Allah and carrying rifle.

Federal law enforcement identified the shooter as the man seen carrying a rifle and wearing a hoodie with references to “Allah” before being fatally shot by police. The chaotic scene unfolded on Austin’s bustling Sixth Street, leaving community members in shock and mourning.

A picture of Ryder Harrington who was killed in the early-morning mass shooting along Austin’s Sixth Street. (Instagram/@ttubeta)

Police Chief Lisa Davis said Diagne “put his flashers on, rolled down his window and began using a pistol shooting out of his car windows, striking patrons of the bar that were on the patio and that were in front of the bar.”

Davis said that the suspect exited his vehicle and shot at individuals, but didn’t enter the bar.

WARNING – GRAPHIC CONTENT:

Austin bar shooter's shirt with Iran flag.

Ndiaga Diagne, 53, shot and killed two people and injured 14 others, police said. He was wearing a shirt featuring an Iranian flag. (Obtained by Fox News)

FBI Acting Special Agent in Charge Alex Doran said during a press conference on Sunday that investigators are looking into a motive.

“Obviously it’s still way too early in the process to determine an exact motivation,” Doran said. “But there were indicators that on the subject and in his vehicle that indicate potential nexus to terrorism.”

Members of the FBI perform and local law enforcement investigate outside of Buford’s bar in downtown on March 1, 2026, in Austin, Texas. (Brandon Bell/Getty Images)

Retired FBI Supervisory Agent James Gagliano, who was once on the agency’s counterterror unit, told Fox News Digital the shooting “seems to have all the earmarks of a terrorist attack.”

“Was this somebody who was an aspirant that saw somebody else do this and said, ‘I want to do the same thing?’ Or was this person directed?” Gagliano said. “It clearly looks like a lone wolf type of thing, so it looks like an inspired or an aspirant, in my estimation.”

Timeline:

March 13, 2000 – Entered U.S.:

Diagne entered the United States in 2000 on a B-2 tourist visa.

2001 – Arrested in New York City:

Diagne was arrested in 2001 in New York City for illegal vending. According to the New York Post, he also has three other arrests in the city between 2001 and 2016, but those records are sealed.

June 2006 – Became a lawful permanent resident:

Diagne became a lawful permanent resident after he married a U.S. citizen.

Austin Police Department released a photo of Ndiaga Diagne as the suspect tied to Sunday’s mass shooting. (Austin Police Department)

April 5, 2013 – Became a naturalized U.S. citizen

Jan. 30, 2016 – Allegedly hit another person with his car:

Diagne allegedly hit a person with his car on Jan. 30, 2016, according to the New York Post.

The victim claimed she “sustained severe and permanent personal injuries, became sick, sore, lame and disabled; suffered injuries to her nervous system; suffered mental anguish, was confined to hospital, bed and home and may, in the future, be so confined,” according to a lawsuit filed against Diagne.