The FBI has concluded that Ndiaga Diagne, a 53-year-old naturalized U.S. citizen from Senegal, acted alone in the March 1 shooting outside an Austin, Texas, bar that killed three people and wounded 15 others. The bureau found no evidence linking Diagne to a foreign terrorist organization or indicating he received external direction, funding, or operational support for the attack.
Diagne, who died in a gunfight with police, was wearing clothing with an Iranian flag design and the phrase "Property of Allah" during the shooting. The FBI stated that his admiration for the late Iranian leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and grievances over U.S. and Israeli military actions involving Iran likely contributed to his actions. However, the bureau could not determine a definitive motive or explain why he targeted Buford’s Backyard Beer Garden.
The attack occurred just hours after the U.S. and Israel launched strikes on Iran, killing Khamenei. Diagne fired shots from his vehicle and on foot before being fatally wounded by police. The FBI led the investigation with over 400 personnel from 14 field offices and local law enforcement partners. The bureau emphasized that Diagne’s violent behavior escalated due to personal triggers and grievances, culminating in an impulsive attack.
Diagne legally purchased the handgun and rifle used in the shooting in 2017. The FBI noted that he had no prior investigative history with the bureau. The investigation remains ongoing, though no further updates have been provided.