Mar 2 • 15:53 UTC 🇬🇧 UK Guardian

Authorities investigate mass shooting at Austin bar as potential act of terrorism

Investigators are looking into a mass shooting at an Austin bar, which left two dead and fourteen injured, as a possible act of terrorism.

In Austin, Texas, a mass shooting at a bar has raised alarms, prompting authorities to classify it as a potential act of terrorism. The incident, which occurred during a busy weekend, involved a shooter identified as Ndiaga Diagne, who was wearing a suspicious 'Property of Allah' hoodie. His actions resulted in the deaths of two individuals and left 14 others injured. The shooting took place at a venue popular among university students, indicating the risk of similar attacks in crowded places, particularly amidst heightened tensions following recent US military actions in Iran.

As the investigation unfolds, local police are collaborating with the FBI's joint terrorism task force to delve into the shooter's background and associates. Although Diagne was killed at the scene by police, investigators are scrutinizing any potential connections to terrorist groups or motives that might have driven his actions. At this stage, officials have indicated that Diagne appears to be a 'lone actor', which simplifies the immediate threat but does not eliminate the potential for further violence.

FBI special agent Alex Doran expressed caution, stating that while there are indications linking Diagne to potential terrorism, it remains premature to draw definitive conclusions. The tragedy has heightened existing concerns regarding public safety in urban areas, especially given the timing of the shooting in relation to international events. Authorities are alert to the possibility that the incident could inspire copycat attacks or be indicative of broader, more complex motives behind violence in the US.

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