A gunman who opened fire outside a packed Austin bar, killing two people and injuring 14 others, is being investigated for possible terror motives linked to recent U.S. strikes on Iran.

The suspect, 53 year old Ndiaga Diagne, a naturalized U.S. citizen originally from Senegal, was shot and killed by police moments after the rampage. Authorities say he had lived in New York for years before relocating to Texas.

According to investigators, Diagne had a Quran inside his vehicle and was wearing a shirt emblazoned with the word Allah when he began shooting patrons outside Buford’s Backyard Beer Garden near the University of Texas at Austin campus. Sources say he may also have been wearing clothing featuring the Iranian flag or similar symbols and allegedly shouted Allahu Akbar as he fired into the crowd.

The attack unfolded around 2 a.m. as hundreds of people were leaving the popular nightlife district. Police say the suspect drove his SUV around the block multiple times before stopping in front of the bar and opening fire from inside the vehicle. He then exited the SUV and continued shooting at people on the street.

Officers confronted him within less than a minute and fatally shot him during an exchange of gunfire. Two victims were pronounced dead at the scene. Fourteen others were rushed to local hospitals, with several listed in critical condition.

Austin Police Chief Lisa Davis said the rapid police response likely prevented an even greater tragedy. Austin Mayor Kirk Watson offered condolences to the victims and praised first responders for their swift action.

The FBI’s San Antonio field office confirmed there were indicators suggesting a potential nexus to terrorism, though officials stressed it remains early in the investigation.

Authorities continue to examine whether the suspect’s actions were directly connected to escalating tensions involving Iran.