A deadly mass shooting rocked downtown Austin early Sunday morning, leaving at least two people dead and 14 others injured near the University of Texas campus.
The violence unfolded at Buford’s Backyard Beer Garden, a packed nightlife venue just steps from UT-Austin, according to the New York Post.
An X post from a student who was nearby read: “I was on 6th Street when shots started. Total chaos. People running everywhere. This is insane.”
Austin police say the suspect opened fire just before 2 a.m., targeting people outside the bar and along the busy entertainment strip.
Officers who were already patrolling the area responded in just 57 seconds, confronted the gunman, and killed him after he continued firing.
According to Austin Police Chief Lisa Davis, the suspect pulled up with his flashers on, rolled down his window, and began shooting at people standing outside the bar.
He used both a handgun and what officials described as an assault-style rifle during the attack.
The gunman then drove down the block and continued shooting at pedestrians walking nearby, escalating the chaos in the crowded nightlife district.
Two victims were killed at the scene, while 14 others were rushed to local hospitals, with at least three in critical condition.
Authorities have not yet released the identities of the victims.
The FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force is now investigating the attack after officials found indicators suggesting a possible terror connection, per the New York Post.
“There were indicators that on the subject and in his vehicle that indicate potential nexus to terrorism,” said FBI special agent Alex Doran, according to the New York Post.
Sources told the outlet that the suspect, a U.S. citizen originally from Senegal, had a Quran in his car and may have been motivated by U.S. strikes on Iran.
Officials cautioned that it is still too early to definitively label the attack as terrorism while the investigation continues.
The shooting comes amid heightened global tensions following recent U.S. and Israeli military operations targeting Iranian military leadership and nuclear sites.
Austin Mayor Kirk Watson said the city is grieving, calling it a “difficult day” and thanking first responders for acting quickly and saving lives.
University of Texas leadership also issued a statement expressing support for victims and gratitude to law enforcement and campus staff assisting those affected.
Videos posted from inside the bar shortly before the attack showed hundreds of young people dancing and singing along to music, unaware of the violence that would erupt moments later.
The FBI and local law enforcement continue to investigate the suspect’s background, motive, and any potential connections to broader extremist networks.
As authorities search for answers, the attack has left the Austin community shaken and raised fresh concerns about domestic terror threats tied to global conflicts.
