A late-night mass shooting in downtown Austin has left three people dead and 14 injured, prompting U.S. authorities to investigate the incident as a possible act of terrorism. Police say the gunman first fired from his car at people outside Buford’s Backyard Beer Garden before stepping out with a rifle and continuing the attack. Officers responded within minutes and shot the suspect dead at the scene.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation said items found in the suspect’s vehicle suggest a potential extremist motive, though no clear ideology has been confirmed. Three victims remain in critical condition.
It coincided with the increased security of the U.S. following airstrikes on Iran in which Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei was allegedly killed. Analysts believe that foreign tensions can play up the possibility of domestic terror at home, but there are no direct connections.
