Federal investigators say they have discovered evidence at the scene of a deadly mass shooting at a popular Austin nightclub that indicates a potential connection to terrorism, the FBI announced Saturday morning. The shooting, which left three people dead and 14 injured, occurred just before 2 a.m. at Buford's Backyard Beer Garden, a well-known establishment on Austin's Sixth Street entertainment district near the University of Texas campus.
FBI Acting Special Agent in Charge Alex Doran of the San Antonio FBI field office addressed reporters at an early morning press conference, confirming that evidence recovered both on the shooter and inside his vehicle has prompted the agency to investigate a possible terrorism nexus. Among the items reportedly discovered was a Koran found in the suspect's car.
"It's still way too early in the process to determine an exact motivation, but there were indicators that, on the subject and in his vehicle, indicate potential nexus to terrorism," Doran told reporters.
The FBI said it is working in close coordination with the Austin Police Department to collect and process evidence at the scene, deploying its evidence response team and digital forensics specialists as part of what is now a joint investigation.
How the Attack Unfolded
Austin Police Chief Lisa Davis provided a detailed account of the shooting at the press conference. According to Davis, the suspect drove a large SUV-type vehicle directly up to Buford's Backyard Beer Garden and opened fire with a pistol toward the establishment, striking multiple patrons who were gathered on the patio and at the front of the bar.
After the initial attack, the suspect fled the scene and continued down Sixth Street, one of Austin's busiest and most heavily trafficked nightlife corridors. Austin police officers responded to the scene within one minute of the first emergency call and encountered the suspect further down the street, where they engaged him and shot and killed him.
The swift response by Austin police officers almost certainly prevented further casualties in what was a densely populated area at the time of the attack.
A graphic video posted to social media in the immediate aftermath of the shooting captured the chaotic scene outside the bar, showing multiple bystanders heroically performing CPR on victims as they waited for emergency responders to arrive.
Casualties and Victims
Travis County EMS Chief Robert Luckritz confirmed at the press conference that three people died at or near the scene, including the shooter. Emergency medical personnel encountered 17 injured victims in total, of whom 14 were transported to area hospitals. Three of those transported were listed in critical condition at the time of the press conference, and Luckritz did not provide a further update on their status.
The identities of the victims have not yet been released publicly, and the suspect has not been formally identified by authorities.
Investigation Ongoing
The FBI has not elaborated on the full nature or quantity of the evidence discovered that points to a terrorism connection, and Austin Police Chief Davis declined to provide additional specifics during the press conference. Investigators stressed that it remains too early in the process to definitively establish a motive.
The shooting adds to a growing list of attacks on American soil that authorities have been forced to examine through the lens of domestic or international terrorism. Sixth Street, the location of the attack, is one of the most recognized entertainment destinations in Texas, drawing large crowds of locals, tourists, and University of Texas students on weekends.
The FBI's evidence response team and digital forensics unit remain on scene as the investigation continues. Further updates from federal and local law enforcement are expected as the inquiry progresses.
This is a developing story. Additional details will be reported as they become available.
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03.02.2026