RismadarVoice Reporters
May 8, 2026
FBI investigators said on Thursday that the man responsible for a deadly mass shooting at a downtown Austin bar acted alone and was not directed, financed, or assisted by any foreign terrorist organisation
The attack occurred in the early hours of March 1 at Buford’s Backyard Beer Garden, a popular nightlife venue in central Austin. Authorities say the gunman, identified as 53-year-old Ndiaga Diagne, killed three people and injured more than a dozen others before being fatally shot by responding police officers.
In its latest findings, the FBI described Diagne as a “lone actor,” noting that there is no evidence he had previously been on the agency’s radar or subject to any counterterrorism investigation.
Investigators said the shooting unfolded shortly after heightened international tensions following military action involving the United States, Israel, and Iran. While officials have not established a definitive motive, they believe the conflict may have played a role in triggering Diagne’s actions.
At the time of the attack, Diagne was reportedly wearing clothing featuring an Iranian flag design along with the phrase “Property of Allah.” Investigators also noted that he appeared to express admiration for Iran’s leadership, including Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, which they say may have influenced his worldview.
Despite these indicators, authorities stressed that the evidence suggests a spontaneous and individual act rather than a coordinated plot.
The FBI report emphasised that there is currently no indication Diagne had ties to any foreign terrorist organisation or received external support for the attack.
“There is no evidence at this time that he was associated with a Foreign Terrorist Organisation or that he received any direction, funding, or operational support for his attack,” the agency stated in its update.
Officials added that the investigation remains open as they continue to review Diagne’s background, communications, and activities leading up to the shooting.
According to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Diagne was originally from Senegal. He entered the United States in 2000 on a tourist visa and later became a lawful permanent resident in 2006 after marrying a U.S. citizen.
Authorities say he had no prior criminal record of violent behaviour and had not previously been flagged in national security databases.
Police reports indicate that Diagne initially drove past Buford’s Backyard Beer Garden before turning back and opening fire from his vehicle toward patrons inside and outside the venue.
He then exited his SUV armed with a rifle and continued shooting at pedestrians in the surrounding street area. Officers arrived shortly after the attack began and engaged the suspect, ultimately fatally wounding him at the intersection near the bar.
The venue, located in one of Austin’s busiest entertainment districts, has since become the focus of renewed discussions about public safety in nightlife areas.
Law enforcement agencies continue to analyse digital records, personal history, and possible radical influences that may have contributed to the attack. While investigators have pointed to potential ideological motivations tied to international events, they caution that no single driving factor has been definitively established.
Officials say more findings may be released as the inquiry progresses.
