Austin bar mass shooting ‘may be terrorism’ after two killed in beer garden
A gunman who opened fire at random on a busy beer garden is being investigated for links to terrorism.
At least two people were killed at Buford’s bar, a popular beer garden in Austin, Texas, at about 2am on Sunday before the attacker was shot dead by police.
Graphic footage shows three bloodied victims getting CPR on the floor next to a pool table.
The early investigation shows that gunman, believed to be a 15-year naturalised American citizen from Senegal, circled the block around the bar several times in an SUV before opening fire.
‘At one point, he put his flashers on, pulled down his window and began using a pistol shooting out of his car windows, striking patrons of the bar that were on the patio, and out in front of the bar,’ Austin Police Chief Lisa Davis.
The suspect then parked the car and walked out with a rifle, shooting some others who were walking by.
At least 14 people were injured, three critically.
Texas Governor Greg Abbott appeared to refer to US strikes on Iran which killed the country’s supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
He said: ‘This act of violence will not define us, nor will it shake the resolve of Texans’.
He warned anyone who ‘thinks about using the current conflict in the Middle East to threaten Texans’ that the state will protect its citizens.
‘Patrols have been increased at vital energy facilities, ports, and along our border,’ Abbott said.
‘We have bolstered cybersecurity personnel and deployed unmanned aerial surveillance to monitor and protect critical infrastructure sites.’
Alex Doran, a special agent with the San Antonio FBI field office, told reporters: ‘There were indicators that on the subject and in his vehicle that indicate potential nexus to terrorism.
‘Again, it’s still too early to make a determination on that.’
No more details were released on the gunman with police are also probing links to his mental health.
Austin Mayor Kirk Watson hailed the response by police and first responders, which officials said took only 57 seconds.
‘I’m very thankful for the speed,’ said Watson. ‘They definitely saved lives.’