Who Is the Austin Shooting Suspect? Police Release Details After Deadly Downtown Attack

Authorities in Austin have identified the man responsible for a mass shooting that occurred early on Sunday morning. The attack took place in the downtown entertainment district, resulting in multiple casualties.

The suspect, 53-year-old Ndiaga Diagne, was killed by responding police officers at the scene. Reports confirm that three people died in the incident and 14 others sustained injuries.

The shooting occurred near the West Sixth Street entertainment area, a location frequently populated by patrons of local venues and students from the nearby University of Texas. Law enforcement officials have secured the area to conduct a forensic investigation.

Chronology of the Attack

Austin Police Chief Lisa Davis stated that the violence began when the suspect, driving a large SUV, circled the block near the establishment multiple times. The gunman activated his hazard lights and rolled down the vehicle window before firing a pistol at patrons gathered on the patio.

The suspect subsequently drove a short distance to Wood Street. He exited the vehicle with a rifle and continued firing at pedestrians. Police officers, who were stationed nearby for weekend security, confronted the suspect within one minute of the first 911 call. Three officers returned fire, killing the gunman and preventing further casualties. Austin Mayor Kirk Watson commended the intervention of public safety officials, stating that their actions prevented additional deaths.

Suspect Background and Investigation

Ndiaga Diagne was a naturalised US citizen originally from Senegal, according to local reports. Immigration records indicate he entered the United States on a tourist visa in 2000, became a lawful permanent resident in 2006, and was naturalised in 2013. Public records show he lived in New York before relocating to Pflugerville, Texas.

Law enforcement sources stated that Diagne wore a hoodie with the words 'Property of Allah' during the attack, and an undershirt featuring an Iranian flag design, according to AP News. Investigators also recovered a Quran and other items within his vehicle. The FBI's San Antonio field office has activated the Joint Terrorism Task Force to assist, according to the San Antonio Express. Acting Special Agent in charge Alex Doran stated in a press conference that authorities are investigating the shooting as a potential act of terrorism due to items found on the suspect and within his vehicle. Sources indicated that investigators are examining whether the attack may be connected to recent international strikes.

Community and Official Response

University of Texas President Jim Davis confirmed that students were among those impacted by the shooting. Texas Governor Greg Abbott issued a statement condemning the violence. He confirmed the activation of several state agencies, including the Texas Department of Public Safety and the Texas National Guard, to increase patrols in the area.

'To anyone who thinks about using the current conflict in the Middle East to threaten Texans, Texas will respond with decisive and overwhelming force,' Governor Abbott said in his statement. Federal and local authorities are currently working to determine if the suspect acted alone or had any external coordination, though preliminary reports suggest he was the sole perpetrator. The investigation remains ongoing as police continue to process forensic evidence from the scene.