The suspect in the deadly mass shooting at a popular Austin nightclub has been identified as Ndiaga Diagne, a naturalized American citizen born in Senegal who reportedly became a U.S. citizen approximately 10 years ago.
Although authorities have not formally released the suspect’s name, CBS Austin confirmed Diagne’s identity hours after the shooting. Multiple reports indicate the 53-year-old was a resident of Pflugerville, Texas.
Early Sunday morning, the Federal Bureau of Investigation said investigators discovered evidence at the scene suggesting a potential nexus to terrorism. During a press conference in Austin, FBI Acting Special Agent in Charge Alex Doran of the San Antonio field office told reporters that indicators were found both on the suspect and inside his vehicle.
“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, indicate potential nexus to terrorism.”
In a post on X, Rep. Chip Roy (R-TX) said he had heard from multiple sources that the suspect was wearing a shirt reading “Property of Allah” and that a copy of the Quran was found inside his vehicle. A photo circulating on social media appears to show a man wearing a sweatshirt with that phrase while holding a rifle. Roy reposted the image without additional comment.
According to Austin Police Chief Lisa Davis, the shooting began when the suspect drove a large SUV-type vehicle up to Buford’s Backyard Beer Garden on Sixth Street and began firing toward the establishment with a pistol. Several patrons on the patio and near the entrance were struck.
The suspect then left the immediate scene and drove farther down Sixth Street, where responding Austin police officers encountered him. Officers engaged the suspect and fatally shot him less than one minute after the first emergency call was received.
Travis County EMS Chief Robert Luckritz confirmed that three people, including the suspect, died at or near the scene. Seventeen individuals were treated for injuries, with 14 transported to area hospitals. Three of those hospitalized were listed in critical condition.
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott issued a statement Sunday, offering condolences to the victims’ families and pledging full state support for the ongoing investigation and response.
Authorities say the investigation remains active as federal and local agencies continue processing evidence.
