Deadly Texas bar shooting 'potentially act of terrorism', FBI says

March 2, 2026

A deadly shooting outside Buford's bar in Austin, Texas early Sunday morning left two people dead and over a dozen injured when a gunman opened fire from an SUV before exiting with a rifle. Police officers on patrol responded within 57 seconds and fatally shot the suspect, identified in media reports as Ndiaga Diagne, a naturalized U.S. citizen from Senegal. The FBI indicated potential terrorism connections based on items found in the suspect's vehicle and home, including reported Iranian imagery and religious references, though investigators emphasized the probe remains in early stages.

Who is affected

Two deceased victims of the shooting
14 injured individuals hospitalized, with three in critical condition
Buford's bar patrons and people on the patio/pavement outside
The suspect, Ndiaga Diagne (killed by police)
University of Texas students and Longhorn community members
Residents and visitors in Austin's Sixth Street entertainment district
Kelson Lee and other witnesses who saw victims

What action is being taken

The FBI and local authorities are conducting an investigation into potential terrorism connections
Police are searching the suspect's home and vehicle
Emergency services are treating the 14 hospitalized victims
Senator Ted Cruz's team is coordinating with local, state, and federal authorities
Increased police and emergency resources are deployed in the entertainment area

Why it matters

This incident represents a potential terrorism-related mass shooting in a major U.S. city's popular entertainment district, raising concerns about domestic security threats. The timing coinciding with U.S.-Israeli military action against Iran, combined with reported Iranian imagery found in the investigation, suggests possible international terrorism connections that could have broader national security implications. The rapid police response prevented potentially greater casualties, demonstrating the importance of proactive security measures in crowded public spaces frequented by tens of thousands of students and residents.

What's next

The FBI and authorities are committed to seeing the investigation "through to the very end"
Officials will eventually release details about the items suggesting a "nexus to terrorism" found in the SUV and on the suspect

Read full article from source: BBC