What we find out about Texas bar taking pictures as FBI probe potential Iran motive | EUROtoday

A gunman, who shot two individuals useless at a bar in Texas, may have been motivated by the United States’ army motion in opposition to Iran, in keeping with investigators.

Ndiaga Diagne, 53, opened fireplace at Buford’s Backyard Beer Garden in Austin throughout the early hours of Sunday morning.

The 53-year-old, who was carrying a hoodie emblazoned with the phrases “Property of Allah,” was killed by officers on the scene.

The taking pictures unfolded a day after United States and Israel launched a army operation in opposition to Iran.

Hours after the primary strikes occurred, it was confirmed that the Islamic Republic’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, had been killed.

Authorities have but to disclose a motive for Diagne’s actions.

Sources advised CBS News that the gunman’s dwelling was raided by officers on Sunday, with investigators allegedly uncovering an Iranian flag and a sequence of photos depicting Islamic Republic officers on the tackle.

A neighbor of the gunman, Todd Bruder, advised The Austin American-Statesman that Diagne and his household have been religious Muslims with their vehicles exhibiting Allah decals. A lady who lived in the home wore a hijab when going out.

“I’m shocked that this happened here. The family was quiet and seemed nice. They seemed like a normal American family living in the suburbs,” he added.

The sources additionally claimed {that a} copy of the Quran was present in Diagne’s SUV, which he used to drive to Buford’s.

However, Alex Doran, the performing head of the FBI’s San Antonio discipline workplace, advised reporters that the investigation into the taking pictures was nonetheless ongoing.

“Obviously, it’s still way too early in the process to determine the exact motivation,” he mentioned. “But there were indicators on the subject and in his vehicle that indicate a potential nexus to terrorism.”

Sources near the investigation advised The Washington Post that authorities don’t imagine that Diagne was working in coordination with teams linked to the Iranian regime.

Officials additionally advised the newspaper that Diagne, a naturalized U.S. citizen from Senegal, was recognized to state authorities in relation to earlier psychological well being episodes.

Sources at CBS News claimed that Diagne arrived within the United States in 2000. He acquired a inexperienced card in 2006 and was naturalized in 2013, spending time in New York earlier than transferring to Texas.

During a press convention, Lisa Davis, Austin’s chief of police, revealed that Diagne had pushed previous Buford’s a number of instances on Sunday earlier than he opened fireplace.

Davis mentioned that the gunman fired a pistol out of his SUV’s window simply earlier than 2 am, hitting a number of patrons on the patio. After that, he parked his car and emerged from the automotive with a rifle.

Then, he opened fireplace as bargoers tried to flee to security. Davis mentioned that Diagne was killed shortly after.

Diagne killed two individuals throughout the assault, injuring 14 others. Authorities have but to determine the victims.

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed on X that President Trump has been briefed on the taking pictures.

Texas Governor Greg Abbott launched a press release shortly after the taking pictures.

“To anyone who thinks about using the current conflict in the Middle East to threaten Texans or our critical infrastructure, understand this clearly: Texas will respond with decisive and overwhelming force to protect our state,” Abbott wrote.

He additionally mentioned that the Texas Department of Public Safety and the National Guard have been ordered to accentuate patrols and surveillance within the state.

The Independent has contacted the Austin Police Department and the FBI for additional remark.