AUSTIN, Texas — Authorities are investigating a possible terrorism connection after a mass shooting early Sunday morning in downtown Austin left three people dead, including the suspect, and 14 others hospitalized, officials said.
Austin-Travis County EMS Chief Robert Luckritz said the first call came in at approximately 1:59 a.m. near Buford’son West Sixth Street, and that paramedics and officers were treating patients 57 seconds after the call.
Austin Police Chief Lisa Davis said officers already in the entertainment district rapidly moved from East Sixth Street to West Sixth Street, confronted the armed suspect, and three officers returned fire, killing him.
The gunman was wearing a sweatshirt that said “Property of Allah” during the attack, according to two sources familiar with the investigation.
There were indicators on the suspect and in his vehicle that suggest a “potential nexus to terrorism,” FBI Acting Special Agent Alex Doran said during a briefing Sunday, though he cautioned that it was too early to determine the motive.
Officials executed a search warrant at the gunman’s home on Sunday and found an Iranian flag and pictures of Iranian leaders, according to an official with direct knowledge of the investigation. Sources told CBS News that the Quran was found in the gunman’s vehicle.
