Ndiaga Diagne, 53, carried out the attack around 2 AM on March 1, outside Buford's Backyard Beer Garden on Sixth Street. Sixth Street is a popular nightlife district, home to numerous bars and music clubs near the University of Texas in Austin, the state capital of Texas.

The suspect drove past the bar multiple times before stopping his SUV and firing a handgun at people on the patio and in front of the establishment, according to Lisa Davis, Austin's Police Chief.

Police at the scene of the shooting at Buford's Backyard Beer Garden in Austin, Texas, on March 1. *Photo: AP*

Diagne, a Senegalese-American, then exited his vehicle, carrying a rifle, and began shooting at passersby before police shot him. The shooting resulted in two fatalities and 14 injuries, with three individuals in critical condition.

An unnamed officer stated that Diagne was wearing a sweatshirt inscribed with "Property of Holy Allah" and a t-shirt featuring an Iran flag. FBI Agent Alex Doran said authorities have not yet determined the motive for the attack, but "there are indications on the suspect and in his vehicle that suggest a possible connection to terrorism."

"Currently, we can only say that this is an act of terrorism," Doran stated during a press conference on March 1. "It is still too early to conclude what type of terrorism it is."

Nathan Comeaux, 22, a University of Texas senior, reported he was buying pizza from a food truck next to the bar when he heard the initial gunshots. No one near the pizza truck understood what was happening, with some even thinking it was fireworks or a motorcycle backfiring.

Comeaux hid behind a bench for about a minute before emerging to see police officers rushing towards the scene. He took out his phone to record. More shots rang out, and the suspect aimed his gun at police before officers returned fire.

Overhead view of the shooting scene on March 1. *Photo: AP*

The shooting occurred one day after the US and Israel launched an attack on Iran, which resulted in the death of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. The White House confirmed that US President Donald Trump had been briefed on the incident.

Texas Governor Greg Abbott warned that the state government would respond strongly to individuals "exploiting the current Middle East conflict to threaten Texas." He stated, "We will not be intimidated, and we will not be terrorized."

Hong Hanh (According to AFP, AP)