Transcript
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CRIME Alert Hourly UPDATE Breaking crime news
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now, I'm Nicole Parton. In a tragic incident early Sunday morning, a mass shooting at a bar in Austin, Texas, resulted in the deaths of two people and left 14 others seriously injured, according to the authorities. Police also reported that an armed suspect was shot and killed by officers during the confrontation. The suspect has been identified as a 53 year old man, Indiago Diagn, a resident of Pflugerville, Texas, originally from Senegal and a naturalized citizen. Austin Police Chief Lisa Davis reported that Diogne circled the bar multiple times before opening fire on patrons both outside the establishment on its patio using a handgun. Afterward, he drove west on 6th street, parked his vehicle and emerged with a rifle, 20 targeting pedestrians as he moved along the street. Officers later confronted him, leading to an exchange of gunfire that resulted in his death. Authorities recovered both a handgun and a rifle from the scene. Law enforcement sources noted that Diagne was wearing clothing with references to Allah and a T shirt with the word Iran alongside the Iranian flag. FBI Special Agent Alex Doran mentioned during a press briefing that there were indicators on the suspect and his vehicle suggesting possible links to terrorism, although he cautioned that it was too early in the investigation to draw any definitive conclusions.
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This was a very active scene. As many of you know, we have paramedics that are embedded in the entertainment district and with the Austin Police Department on the weekends. We received the call at 1:59am and within 57 seconds the first paramedics and officers were on scene actively treating the patients. We had a total of 17 patients on the scene. Fourteen of those were transported to the hospital. Three were pronounced dead on scene. Of the 14 patients were transported to the hospital, three were in critical condition. And as I said, our condolences go out to everyone that was involved and we'll be back with more information in the future.
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Investigators are also looking into the suspect's mental health. Currently, the incident is being treated as a lone wolf attack rather than part of a larger conspiracy. Walker Dayo, a student at UT who witnessed the shooting, described the chaos as shots rang out. It was just unbelievable, 20 or 30 shots at least, he said. Everyone went into a frenzy, running and driving, diving for cover. People jumped into their cars and sped away. Dayo expressed concern for the victim, saying he was left with a lasting emotional scar from the experience. Now I find myself questioning whether I want to return to the 6th street area, he admitted. Emergency Medical Services Chief Robert Lucritz reported that three individuals died at the scene. 414 others were transported to the hospital. Many remain in critical condition. Austin Mayor Kirk Watson commended the swift actions of law enforcement. They undoubtedly saved lives, he said. Governor Greg Abbott issued a statement Sunday afternoon extending his condolences to the victims and their family. Governor Craig Abbott issued a statement Sunday afternoon extending his condolences to the victims and their families. More crime and justice news after this.