The Austin Police Department identified the suspect in the Texas shooting as 53-year-old Ndiaga Diagne, and said officers fatally shot him at the scene near Buford's on West Sixth Street.
APD said the attack began just before 2 a.m. when the shooter fired from an SUV at patrons on the Buford's patio and nearby pedestrians.
According to police, the suspect circled the area several times, then fired a pistol through his vehicle window before exiting armed with a rifle and continuing to shoot.
Officers encountered the suspect at a nearby intersection and returned fire, killing him, Austin Police Chief Lisa Davis said, and Mayor Kirk Watson credited the rapid response with saving lives.
The Austin-Travis County EMS reported paramedics received the call about 1:59 a.m. and said first responders were on scene within 57 seconds, treating 17 patients in total.
ATCEMS Chief Robert Luckritz said three patients were pronounced dead at the scene and 14 were transported to area hospitals, with three in critical condition.
A law enforcement official told The Associated Press the suspect wore a sweatshirt reading Property of Allah and another shirt with an Iranian flag design.
Investigation Responses And Reactions
The FBI is working with APD and examining whether the attack was terrorism related, Alex Doran of the FBI's San Antonio office said, adding it is too early to make a determination though indicators were found.
CBS News reported investigators executed a search warrant at the gunman's residence and found an Iranian flag and pictures of Iranian leaders, and that a Quran was recovered from the vehicle.
Authorities gathered at a home in Pflugerville connected to the suspect, and the FBI said digital forensics and evidence response teams joined the scene to process evidence.
Governor Greg Abbott directed DPS to increase patrols and add law enforcement personnel on Sixth Street, and Rep Chip Roy said he was briefed on troubling facts including items found and the suspect's background.
University of Texas President Jim Davis confirmed some affected were connected to the campus community, and officials urged the public to avoid the area while the investigation continues.
Community members seeking loved ones were given a contact for APD's Victim Services Unit at 512-974-5037 as authorities continue to gather information.
