The FBI on Thursday released a two-page update on its investigation into the mass shooting at Buford’s Backyard Beer Garden, describing the gunman as a lone actor whose attack was likely fueled by the U.S.-Israeli military campaign against Iran.
“The investigation to date indicates Diagne was a lone actor,” the report states, adding there is no evidence he was associated with a foreign terrorist organization or received any direction, funding or operational support. Diagne was wearing clothing featuring an Iranian flag design and the words “Property of Allah.” He admired Iranian leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who was killed during the war. Although investigators lacked direct evidence of a motive, they assessed that Diagne’s affinity for Iran and its former leader were likely factors and that the war triggered him, “culminating in a violent, impulsive attack” at the bar, according to the report.
The shooting unfolded in the early hours of March 1, just days after the United States and Israel launched strikes on Iran. According to police, Diagne drove past the bar on Austin’s Sixth Street entertainment district, circled back, and fired the first shots from his SUV at patrons on the sidewalk and inside. He then parked, exited with a rifle, and opened fire on pedestrians walking along the street before officers arrived.
Austin Police Chief Lisa Davis said officers were on scene within 56 seconds of the first 911 call and killed Diagne after he fired at them.
Diagne, 53, was born in Senegal and entered the United States in 2000 on a B-2 tourist visa. He became a lawful permanent resident six years later after marrying a U.S. citizen, according to the Department of Homeland Security. The FBI said he had never been the subject of a prior investigation.
The three victims killed were Savitha Shan, 21; Ryder Harrington, 19; and Jorge Pederson, 30. More than a dozen others were wounded.
The FBI said its investigation remains open, but no evidence of co-conspirators or foreign direction has emerged.