Revised on March 1, 2026, at 4:46 p.m. ET
The Federal Bureau of Investigation is looking into “indicators” that may point to a potential terrorism connection following a bar shooting in Austin early on Sunday, March 1, which resulted in the deaths of at least two individuals and left 14 others injured.
According to the Austin Police, two individuals lost their lives in the shooting incident, and Police Chief Lisa Davis confirmed during a press briefing that law enforcement fatally shot the suspect.
Davis reported that the individual drove around Buford’s Backyard Beer Garden multiple times in an SUV shortly before 2 a.m. local time, halted, and then discharged a firearm from the vehicle. Afterward, he parked, exited the car, and continued to fire both the pistol and a rifle.
Davis reported that officers assigned to the entertainment area where the bar is situated shot and killed the assailant.
Officials have not yet disclosed the name of the suspect, but reports from the Associated Press, Austin NBC affiliate KXAN, and the Austin American-Statesman, citing unnamed sources, indicate that the individual is 53-year-old Ndiaga Diagne. Both the AP and the Statesman noted that Diagne hails from Senegal. USA TODAY has contacted the FBI to verify the identity of the suspect.
Fourteen individuals were taken to the hospital following the incident. According to Austin-Travis County Emergency Medical Services Chief Robert Luckritz during the press briefing, three of those transported were in critical condition. He noted that medical teams arrived at the location in under a minute.
"I firmly believe that the swift actions of the police officers, EMS teams, and other professionals played a crucial role in making a difference and saving lives," stated Austin Mayor Kirk Watson during the press conference.
At a press briefing, Alex Doran, the acting head of the FBI’s San Antonio division, remarked that the individual exhibited “signs both in the subject and within his vehicle that suggest a possible connection to terrorism.”
Doran refrained from revealing the specifics of the "indicators" when questioned during the press conference, stating that "we are still in the very preliminary phases of the investigation and we wouldn't want to risk influencing any subsequent investigative measures."
Karoline Leavitt, the Press Secretary for the White House, stated in a message on X that President Donald Trump has been "informed about the shooting incident."
Texas Democratic Representative Greg Casar, representing East Austin, stated in a social media post that he “will advocate for complete transparency for the families and the public.” Republican Senator John Cornyn mentioned in a post on X that FBI Director Kash Patel informed him during a phone conversation that the Austin Police “is leading the investigation, with assistance from the FBI.”
The incident took place on the same day that at least nine individuals were hurt in a mass shooting during an event at a concert venue in Cincinnati. According to the Gun Violence Archive, there have been 56 mass shootings in 2026 where four or more people sustained injuries.
Contributors: N’dea Yancey-Bragg, USA TODAY
This narrative has been revised to include additional details.