A shooting outside a student bar in Austin, Texas, started a political debate after right-wing commentator Laura Loomer accused FBI director Kash Patel of downplaying what she believes is an act of “Islamic terrorism”.
Three people were killed and more than a dozen were injured when a gunman opened fire outside Buford’s bar in Austin on Sunday. Police later confirmed the victims as Ryder Harrington (19), Savitha Shan (21), and Jorge Pederson (30).
The suspect was identified as Ndiaga Diagne. He was a naturalised US citizen born in Senegal who was shot and killed by police officers who confronted him shortly after the attack.
Federal officers said they were examining whether the shooting had a “potential terrorism nexus”, including possible links to the US-Iran conflict.
The gunman was wearing a sweatshirt with the words “Property of Allah,” reports CBS News. Authorities also reportedly found an Iranian flag and photographs of Iranian leaders during a search of the suspect’s home.
The attack came just days after the United States and Israel launched strikes on Iran that reportedly killed its Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei.
In a post on X, Loomer criticised Patel for not describing the attack as Islamic terrorism.
She wrote: “Personally I think Kash Patel is owned by Muslims. He was a lobbyist for Qatar before he became FBI Director.”
The MAGA commentator also targeted Patel's Indian-origin: “I figured that since he is an Indian, he would understand how barbaric these Muslims are, but he literally refuses to say Islamic terrorism.”
She also added, “He loves Qatari money. It’s sad.”
Referring to details reported from the investigation, Loomer listed several items allegedly connected to the suspect: ‘Property of Allah’, ‘Iranian flag shirt’, ‘Quran in Car’, ‘Photo of the Ayatollah at the terrorist’s house’.
Loomer asked, mocking the FBI’s wording, “Kash, what more do you need to see to say the motive is Islamic terrorism?”
“Potential terrorism nexus? Are you for real?”, Loomer said
Authorities have so far avoided drawing conclusions about the motive behind the attack.
How the attack unfolded
Austin Police Chief Lisa Davis said the gunman drove past the bar in a large SUV at about 02:00 local time, turned on the vehicle’s hazard lights, rolled down the window and fired a pistol at people standing outside.
After parking nearby, he reportedly exited the vehicle carrying a rifle and began walking back towards the bar. Three police officers confronted him at an intersection and shot him dead, preventing further casualties in a very busy area.
Texas governor Greg Abbott said state and federal officials would continue examining whether the attack had any terrorist links.
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