CNN appreciates hearing from you. Investigators in law enforcement are looking into whether the attack on Iran played a role in the motivations of the suspect behind a shooting in Austin's entertainment district. This shooting occurred early on a Sunday morning and resulted in two deaths and 14 injuries. While multiple law enforcement officials have been briefed on the case, they are advising caution and emphasizing that it is still too early to make any definitive conclusions.
Officials are looking into previous instances where the suspect had interactions with mental health services when he lived in Texas. The suspect, who was also killed, was found wearing a shirt with a design of the Iranian flag, according to two law enforcement sources who were informed about the attack and spoke with CNN.
Officials stated that three of the individuals who were admitted to the hospital are currently in critical condition
It is too soon to know the exact reason behind the incident, but there are signs from the individual and his vehicle that suggest a possible connection to terrorism, according to Alex Doran, who is currently serving as special agent in charge of the FBI San Antonio Division. Doran shared this information during a news briefing on Sunday morning.
A law enforcement official who is knowledgeable about the case stated that the suspected gunman is from Senegal. The man seems to have come to the United States in the early 2000s and first lived in New York. It is unknown when he moved to Texas, but the official mentioned that he had several addresses in the state.
CNN has made contact with the Austin Police Department and FBI San Antonio to gather additional information about the suspect.
The Gun Violence Archive has reported that there have been a minimum of 56 mass shootings in the United States this year. These incidents are classified as shootings where at least four individuals are injured (excluding the shooter).
Law enforcement was alerted to a report of a man firing a gun from a big SUV near Buford's Backyard Beer Garden at the intersection of West Sixth and Rio Grande streets, as stated by Austin Police Chief Lisa Davis. The SUV was observed driving around the area before the shooting incident occurred.
During the incident, he activated his hazard lights, lowered his window, and started firing a gun from his car, hitting people sitting on the bar's outdoor patio and in front of the bar, according to Davis.
The individual proceeded to head in the direction of Sixth Street driving, parked their car, and exited on foot carrying a rifle. Subsequently, they starting firing shots at pedestrians in the vicinity.
Authorities were able to quickly reach the suspect downtown on weekends as police and emergency medical teams are already stationed there, according to Davis.
According to Davis, the suspect was heading towards East Austin or East Sixth Street. Police officers were approaching the suspect, and he was shot and killed at the intersection.
Davis had informed the press that three officers exchanged gunfire with the suspect when they encountered him.
Authorities called in the bomb squad to investigate items found in the suspect's vehicle that caused alarm. Fortunately, the vehicle was deemed safe and no explosives were discovered after a quick inspection.
Davis described the incident as very sad, emphasizing that federal agencies and other support teams are assisting with the response. It will take a few hours to fully investigate the scene.
The FBI department in San Antonio that oversees the Austin region has verified that the FBI Joint Terrorism Task Force is now involved in the investigation due to uncovered evidence at the location.
Paramedics who work alongside the Austin Police Department in the entertainment district during weekends were able to quickly respond to emergencies, as reported by Robert Luckritz, the chief of Austin-Travis County Emergency Medical Services.
Luckritz stated that over 20 EMS teams arrived at the scene and were able to transport all critically injured individuals away within 24 minutes, with all patients being removed from the scene in 47 minutes.
Austin Mayor Kirk Watson expressed sympathy for the victims of the incident and thanked the public safety officers and officials for their quick response, which he believes helped prevent further casualties.
The Texas Governor, Greg Abbott, criticized the attack and instructed the Department of Public Safety to enhance patrols and the presence of law enforcement personnel in the Sixth Street area during weekends.
He stated that this act of violence will not represent us as a people, and it will also not weaken the determination of Texans.
This report was contributed to by Amanda Watts and John Miller from CNN.
This is a story that is still being worked on and will have more information
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