Austin police have identified the suspect involved in Sunday morning’s mass shooting on West 6th Street as Ndiaga Diagne, a 53-year-old U.S. citizen originally from Senegal. The attack left three dead and 14 injured, with authorities labeling it a potential act of terrorism.
Who Was Ndiaga Diagne?
Diagne arrived in the United States in 2000 on a tourist visa, later obtaining a green card in 2006 and becoming a U.S. citizen in 2013. He reportedly spent some time in New York before relocating to Texas. Investigators believe he acted alone during the attack.
Officials confirmed Diagne was armed with both a handgun and a rifle. Police say he was killed on the scene during a confrontation with officers. The FBI has indicated there were signs in Diagne’s SUV and on his person suggesting a possible nexus to terrorism.
How the Shooting Unfolded
According to Austin Police Chief Lisa Davis, officers on patrol in the busy bar district known as East 6th Street responded to reports of an active shooter just before 2 a.m.
Diagne was reportedly driving a large SUV when he stopped, activated his flashers, rolled down the window, and fired a pistol. He then parked on Wood Street and continued on foot, carrying an assault rifle and opening fire on bystanders.
Police confronted the suspect at an intersection, resulting in Diagne being shot and killed.
Casualties and Response
Austin-Travis County EMS reported that 14 people were hospitalized, with three in critical condition. The FBI continues to investigate potential terrorism links.
West 6th Street is located in Austin’s downtown, close to the Texas State Capitol and the University of Texas, both within a few miles of the shooting site. Authorities have urged the public to remain vigilant as investigations continue.
