Austin bar gunman wearing ‘Property of Allah’ hoodie kills two before being shot dead by police

A gunman wearing a hoodie reading “Property of Allah” and a shirt bearing the Iranian flag opened fire outside a busy beer garden in downtown Austin early Sunday morning, killing two people and injuring at least 14 others.

The suspect, identified as 53-year-old Ndiaga Diagne, a naturalized U.S. citizen originally from Senegal, began shooting at around 2 a.m. outside Buford’s, a popular bar on West Sixth Street.

According to Austin Police Chief Lisa Davis, Diagne circled the block several times in an SUV before launching the attack. He reportedly turned on his hazard lights, rolled down his window, and fired a pistol from inside the vehicle at patrons gathered on the patio and outside the bar.

He later parked, exited the SUV with a rifle, and continued shooting at people walking nearby before officers shot and killed him.

Three of the injured remain in critical condition.

Police guard the site of a mass shooting(Pictures: AP)

Video from the scene showed victims receiving CPR on the floor near a pool table as first responders rushed in. Officials said officers arrived and engaged the suspect within 57 seconds.

Texas Governor Greg Abbott said the attack would not weaken the state’s resolve and warned against using tensions in the Middle East to threaten Texans. He said patrols had been increased at energy facilities, ports, and along the border, and that cybersecurity teams and aerial surveillance had been deployed to protect critical infrastructure.

Alex Doran, a special agent with the FBI’s San Antonio field office, said investigators found indicators that suggest a potential link to terrorism, but cautioned it was too early to make a final determination.

Police investigate the site of a shooting at Buford’s in Austin (Picture: AP)

Police are also examining the suspect’s mental health history as the investigation continues.

Austin Mayor Kirk Watson praised the rapid police response, saying the quick action by officers and first responders saved lives.