Austin Shooting Suspect Identified, Wore ‘Property Of Allah’ Hoodie During Attack
A heavy security presence remains in downtown Austin after a deadly shooting early Sunday morning left two people dead and 14 others injured.
Authorities identified the suspect as Ndiaga Diagne, described as a Senegalese immigrant and naturalized U.S. citizen. According to reports, Diagne was naturalized in 2013 and later applied for asylum in 2016.
Law enforcement sources told media outlets that the suspect was wearing a hoodie bearing the phrase “Property of Allah” during the attack. A Quran was reportedly recovered from his vehicle. Fox News reporter Bill Melugin also stated that the suspect was wearing an undershirt displaying an Iranian flag.
BREAKING: @FoxNews has obtained a photo of the Austin, TX mass shooter, armed & wearing a sweater that says “Property of Allah”. He has not been identified by authorities, but multiple federal law enforcement sources tell FOX he is a 53-year-old naturalized US citizen who was… pic.twitter.com/YjyT8sIuBr
— Bill Melugin (@BillMelugin_) March 1, 2026
The shooting began shortly before 2 a.m. near Buford’s bar on West Sixth Street, according to local reports. Austin Police Chief Lisa Davis said the suspect drove a large SUV around the block several times before stopping and activating his hazard lights. From inside the vehicle, he allegedly opened fire with a handgun. He then exited the SUV, parked near Wood Street, and continued shooting while moving east along Sixth Street, reportedly switching between a pistol and a rifle.
Officers already deployed in the busy entertainment district responded within moments and fatally shot the suspect. Chief Davis confirmed that while the suspect fired multiple rounds toward the bar, he did not enter the establishment.
Emergency medical personnel began treating victims within a minute of the first 911 call, according to Austin-Travis County EMS Chief Robert Luckritz. Mayor Kirk Watson credited the rapid response with preventing additional fatalities. Of the 14 injured, three remain in critical condition.
The investigation has expanded to include the Federal Bureau of Investigation, with the FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force now involved. Acting Special Agent in Charge Alex Doran said investigators discovered “indicators” in the suspect’s vehicle that suggest a “potential nexus to terrorism.”
Officials emphasized that while the wording signals possible ideological motives, the investigation is ongoing. Under federal law, a terrorism designation requires proof of intent to intimidate civilians or influence government policy. Authorities say they are continuing forensic analysis, digital review, and background investigation to determine motive and whether the attack was premeditated.