Suspect in Austin Shooting Wore ‘Property of Allah’ Sweatshirt, Iranian Flag Shirt as FBI Probes Terror Link

by Emmitt Barry, Worthy News Washington D.C. Bureau Chief

(Worthy News) – The suspect in a deadly early-morning shooting in downtown Austin that left at least two people dead and 14 others wounded was wearing clothing bearing Islamic and Iranian imagery, according to multiple media reports, as federal authorities investigate a possible connection to terrorism.

Law enforcement identified the suspect as 53-year-old Ndiaga Diagne, a naturalized U.S. citizen originally from Senegal. Federal officials told Fox News that Diagne became a U.S. citizen in 2013. Police fatally shot him at the scene after he allegedly opened fire on civilians near the University of Texas campus.

According to the Associated Press, the suspect was wearing a sweatshirt that read “Property of Allah” and a shirt displaying the Iranian flag. The New York Post reported that authorities found a Quran in his vehicle, while CBS News stated that an Iranian flag and photographs of Iranian regime leaders were discovered inside his apartment.

The attack unfolded around 2 a.m. Sunday near West Sixth Street, a busy nightlife district. Austin Police Chief Lisa Davis said the suspect drove around the block several times before activating his vehicle’s flashers, rolling down his window, and firing a pistol at people gathered outside a bar.

He then reportedly drove to another nearby street, exited his SUV armed with a rifle, and began shooting at pedestrians. Officers confronted and killed him at an intersection shortly thereafter.

Emergency officials confirmed that at least two victims were pronounced dead at the scene, with 14 others transported to local hospitals. Three victims remain in critical condition.

The investigation has been taken up by the FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force. Alex Doran, acting special agent in charge of the FBI’s San Antonio Field Office, said during a press conference that agents found “indicators” suggesting a “potential nexus to terrorism.”

“There were indicators on the subject and in his vehicle that indicate potential nexus to terrorism,” Doran said, adding that it is too early to determine motive or formally classify the incident.

The attack comes amid heightened tensions between the United States and Iran, including ongoing U.S. military strikes and retaliatory actions in the Middle East. Authorities have not confirmed whether the suspect had any direct ties to foreign organizations or whether the shooting was inspired by international events.

Federal officials emphasized that the investigation remains active and that further details will be released as evidence is analyzed.

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