JUST IN: Alleged Austin mass shooter identified, wore 'Property of Allah' sweatshirt Authorities have identified the suspect in the March 1, 2026, Austin mass shooting as 53-year-old Ndiaga Diagne, a naturalized U.S. citizen originally from Senegal.

 

JUST IN: Alleged Austin mass shooter identified, wore 'Property of Allah' sweatshirt Authorities have identified the suspect in the March 1, 2026, Austin mass shooting as 53-year-old Ndiaga Diagne, a naturalized U.S. citizen originally from Senegal. Diagne was fatally shot by police after opening fire at Buford's Backyard Beer Garden on West 6th Street, killing two people and wounding 14 others.

Profile and Attire According to law enforcement sources and photos obtained by media, the suspect's appearance and belongings suggested a "potential nexus to terrorism":

Clothing: Diagne was reportedly wearing a gray sweatshirt emblazoned with the words "Property of Allah" and an undershirt featuring the Iranian flag or related imagery. Recovered Items: A Quran was found in his SUV, and a search of his home in Pflugerville reportedly uncovered an Iranian flag and pictures of Iranian leaders.

Background: A resident of Pflugerville, Texas, Diagne first entered the U.S. in 2000 on a tourist visa and became a naturalized citizen in 2013.

Investigation and Potential Motive The FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force is leading the investigation into the motive.: The attack occurred just one day after the U.S. and Israel launched military strikes on Iran, leading investigators to explore if the shooting was a retaliatory act.

Method of Attack: Witnesses and police reports state Diagne drove past the bar several times in a large SUV, firing a pistol from the window before parking and continuing the attack on foot with a rifle. Official Stance: While the FBI has noted indicators of extremism, officials cautioned that it is too early to determine if the attack was specifically directed by an extremist group

Official Reactions Governor Greg Abbott: Activated the Texas National Guard under "Operation Fury Shield" and stated that Texas would respond with "decisive and overwhelming force" against those using Middle East conflicts to threaten the state. Mayor Kirk Watson: Described the incident as a "traumatic moment" and praised the rapid response of officers who confronted the shooter within 60 seconds.

Authorities and major news outlets have confirmed that Ndiaga Diagne, 53, has been identified as the suspect in the March 1, 2026, mass shooting in Austin's West 6th Street entertainment district.

Suspect Profile and Motive

Background: Diagne was a naturalized U.S. citizen originally from Senegal who resided in Pflugerville, Texas. He first entered the U.S. in 2000 on a tourist visa and became a citizen in 2013.

Attire: Law enforcement sources confirmed Diagne was wearing a gray sweatshirt with the words "Property of Allah" and an undershirt featuring an Iranian flag design.

Recovered Items: Investigators found a Quran in his SUV and discovered an Iranian flag and pictures of Iranian leaders during a search of his Pflugerville home.

Potential Motive: The FBI's Joint Terrorism Task Force is investigating the shooting as a potential act of terrorism. Investigators are exploring whether the attack was a retaliatory act following the U.S. and Israeli military strikes on Iran that occurred just one day prior.

Details of the Attack

Location: The shooting took place outside Buford's Backyard Beer Garden at approximately 2:00 a.m..

Method: Diagne reportedly circled the block in a large SUV, firing a pistol from the window, before parking and continuing the attack on foot with a rifle.

Casualties: Two people were killed and 14 others were wounded; three victims remain in critical condition. Diagne was fatally shot by responding officers within 60 seconds of the first report.

Official Responses

Governor Greg Abbott: Released a statement vowing that Texas would respond with "decisive and overwhelming force" against those using Middle East conflicts to threaten the state. He activated the Texas National Guard under "Operation Fury Shield" to protect critical infrastructure, including energy facilities and ports.

Mayor Kirk Watson: Praised the rapid response of law enforcement, stating that the officers' quick actions "definitely saved lives" during a traumatic moment for the city.