The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is investigating a fatal bar shooting in Texas that took place over the weekend as a possible act of terrorism.
The shooting occurred a day following the launch of Operation Epic Fury, the U.S. military campaign against Iran, which began with joint kinetic military airstrikes alongside Israel.
According to The Associated Press, a law enforcement official informed the news outlet that the suspect wore garments with an Iranian flag design and the words “Property of Allah.”
The gunman killed two individuals and wounded 14 using both a pistol and a rifle just before 2 a.m. outside of Buford’s Backyard Beer Garden, just a few miles away from the University of Texas at Austin. According to Austin law enforcement, police managed to shoot and kill the attacker.
Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) denounced the incident in an X post Sunday afternoon.
“We are horrified by the terror attack in Austin, Texas and our hearts and prayers are with the victims and their families. We are also grateful to the brave law enforcement and first responders for their swift actions in apprehending the assailant and caring for the injured,” the Speaker wrote. “America will not be intimidated or terrorized. We will defend our homeland.”
According to Austin Police Chief Lisa Davis, the shooter drove past the establishment multiple times before stopping to shoot at people on a patio in front of the bar from the window of his vehicle.
The suspect proceeded to park, step out of his SUV with a rifle, and began to shoot at pedestrians along the street before officers rushed to the intersection and shot him, the chief added.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) identified the gunman as 53-year-old Ndiaga Diagne.
