Authorities Probe Iran, Terror Links in Texas Bar Shooting

Police say it's too early to determine the gunman's motives in the attack that killed 2 and injured 14 others.

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

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Authorities are investigating potential links between a deadly mass shooting at a bar in Austin, Texas, and terrorism or the war in Iran, but say it's too early to determine the gunman's motives. The shooter, identified as Ndiaga Diagne, a naturalized U.S. citizen from Senegal, was killed by police after opening fire on bar patrons and pedestrians. Two people were killed and 14 others were injured in the incident.

Why it matters

This shooting marks the 56th mass shooting in the U.S. so far this year, highlighting the ongoing issue of gun violence in the country. The potential links to Iran and terrorism also raise concerns about the threat of domestic extremism and the challenges authorities face in determining the motives behind such attacks.

The details

The shooter, Ndiaga Diagne, was seen in a photo wearing a shirt with an Iranian flag and the word 'IRAN' on it, as well as a sweatshirt that said 'Property of Allah'. Authorities are investigating any potential links to terror or the war in Iran, but say it's too early to determine the gunman's motives. The shooting happened outside a popular bar in Austin's West 6th Street area, with the shooter driving an SUV around the block before opening fire on bar patrons and then pedestrians.

  • The shooting occurred on Monday, March 2, 2026.

The players

Lisa Davis

The Austin Police Chief, who stated it was too early to understand the shooter's motives.

Alex Doran

The acting special agent in charge of the FBI's San Antonio field office, who said the bureau was investigating any links to terror.

Ndiaga Diagne

The 26-year-old naturalized U.S. citizen from Senegal who was identified as the shooter and was killed by police.

Savitha Shan

A 24-year-old victim who was killed in the shooting.

Ryder Harrington

A 22-year-old victim who was killed in the shooting.

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What they’re saying

“Our priority is finding answers and the motives behind this crime.”

— Lisa Davis, Austin Police Chief (Reuters)

“It's always very difficult to determine what's in an individual's mind that leads them to commit this type of violence.”

— Alex Doran, Acting special agent in charge of the FBI's San Antonio field office (Reuters)

What’s next

Authorities will continue to investigate any potential links between the shooter and terrorism or the war in Iran, as well as his motives for the attack.

The takeaway

This shooting highlights the ongoing challenge of preventing mass violence in the U.S., as well as the complexities involved in determining the motives behind such attacks, especially when potential ties to extremism or terrorism are involved.