FBI probes possible Iran-linked motive in Texas bar shooting that killed 3

Federal investigators are probing a potential nexus between the deadly Texas bar shooting and the killing of Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, as authorities investigate whether the gunman was acting as a "lone wolf" in retaliation for U.S.-Israeli military strikes against Tehran, under 'Operation Epic Fury'. The suspect, 53-year-old Ndiaga Diagne, opened fire early Sunday at Buford's Backyard Beer Garden while wearing a shirt with an Iranian flag and "IRAN" spelt out in green, white and red across the front, as per a Sky News report. The attack, which left three victims dead and 14 others wounded, occurred just 24 hours after a massive U.S. and Israeli bombardment of Tehran.

Federal agents executing a search warrant at Diagne's home discovered an Iranian flag and photographs of Iranian leaders, according to CBS News. "There were indicators on the subject and in his vehicle that indicate a potential nexus to terrorism," Alex Doran, acting special agent in charge of the FBI's San Antonio field office, told reporters. "In terms of specifically what type of terrorism, we're just at this point prepared to say that it was potentially an act of terrorism," Doran added.

DHS officials were quoted by reports as describing Diagne as a naturalized U.S. citizen from Senegal who arrived in 2000. While investigators noted a history of mental health issues, the Site Intelligence Group reported that Diagne had expressed "pro-Iranian regime sentiment and hatred for Israeli and American leadership" in social media posts dating back to 2017, The Guardian reported. The shooting targeted a dense crowd of college students in Austin's primary entertainment district. "The bars were full of college students, probably mostly UT kids, shoulder to shoulder, hundreds just enjoying their nights," witness Nathan Comeaux, 22, told the Associated Press.

Austin Police Chief Lisa Davis said Diagne circled the block in an SUV before signaling, opening his window, and "shooting with a pistol, striking patrons on the bar patio." He then exited the vehicle with a rifle to continue the assault on foot. "No one around the pizza truck understood what was happening, with some thinking the noise was fireworks or a loud motorbike," Comeaux added. The attack claimed the lives of Ryder Harrington, 19, a student at Texas Tech; Savitha Shan, 21, a University of Texas student; and Jorge Pederson, 30, a mixed martial arts fighter who died after being taken off life support Monday.