Gunfire tore through Austin’s nightlife district early Sunday, cutting short what should have been a normal night on Sixth Street.
Two people were killed, and 14 others were wounded. Sirens wailed as chaos erupted, leaving bar-goers scrambling for safety.
Authorities revealed details about the suspect that raised alarms. The gunman was wearing a sweatshirt that said “Property of Allah,” and another shirt with an Iranian flag design, a law enforcement official told The Associated Press. The FBI is investigating the shooting as a potential act of terrorism.
The suspect has been identified as 53-year-old Ndiaga Diagne, the law enforcement official and another source said. Diagne is originally from Senegal and came to the U.S. in 2006. He was a naturalized U.S. citizen.
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Police said Diagne drove past the bar several times before stopping and firing a pistol from his SUV at people on the patio and in front of the bar. He then parked, got out with a rifle, and began shooting at people walking in the area. Officers responded quickly and shot the gunman, ending the attack.
Austin Police Chief Lisa Davis said the suspect “used both a pistol and a rifle to carry out the attack.” She added that the FBI is investigating whether the shooting was an act of terrorism because of “indicators” found on the gunman and in his vehicle.
6th street shooting update from ADP chief Lisa Davis after multiple dead and injured. #Shooting #Austin #Texas pic.twitter.com/1NSokNGrGo
— Nabil Brent Remadna KXAN (@RemadnaKXAN) March 1, 2026
Inside the bar, tables were overturned, drinks were left behind, and patrons fled for safety. One of the victims was found in the street between two parked cars.
The attack occurred just before 2 a.m. outside Buford’s Backyard Beer Garden, a popular nightlife destination only a few miles from the University of Texas. The university’s president said some of those impacted included “members of our Longhorn family.” He added, “Our prayers are with the victims and all those impacted.”
Mayor Kirk Watson praised the fast response by police and emergency personnel. “They definitely saved lives,” he said.
This shooting is not the first violent incident on Sixth Street. Similar attacks have happened in recent years, including one in the summer of 2021 that left 14 people wounded. Although this weekend’s shooting doesn’t meet the federal definition of a mass killing, it is part of a disturbing trend.
Meanwhile, another shooting early Sunday at a Cincinnati nightclub and concert venue wounded 9 people. Police said all nine had gunshot wounds, but none were life-threatening. Adam Hennie, the city’s interim police chief, reported the victims’ conditions.
Featured image via X screengrab
