By Jack Phillips

The FBI on March 1 stated that its terrorism task force has joined an investigation into a shooting at an Austin, Texas, bar that left multiple casualties.

Police in Austin stated that an armed male opened fire outside a bar, leaving two dead and 14 others wounded, including three who were critically injured. Officers killed the shooter, who has not yet been identified, according to police.

“We extend our deepest condolences to the families and loved ones of those who lost their lives in this tragic incident and thank the Austin Police Department for their swift response in addressing the threat,” the FBI said in a statement on X, noting that its “Joint Terrorism Task Force is jointly investigating this incident in close coordination with the Austin Police Department.”

The gunman drove past the bar multiple times before stopping and firing a gun out of the window, Austin Police Chief Lisa Davis told reporters. He then parked the vehicle, got out with a rifle, and began shooting at people walking in the area before officers who had rushed to the intersection shot him.

Alex Doran, an FBI official, told reporters during a press conference on March 1 that the shooter’s motivation has not been established. However, he said that evidence found on the individual and in his vehicle suggested a “potential nexus to terrorism.”

“It’s still too early to make a determination on that,” Doran said.

The FBI stated on X that the shooting is under active investigation and that more information will be shared at a later date. Anyone who has information about the incident should contact the federal law enforcement agency, it noted.

The shooting happened outside Buford’s Backyard Beer Garden just before 2 a.m. along Sixth Street, a nightlife destination filled with bars and music clubs and only a few miles from the University of Texas.

The school’s president, Jim Davis, said on social media that some of those impacted included “members of our Longhorn family“ and that ”our prayers are with the victims and all those impacted.”

There have been at least two other high-profile shootings in Austin’s Sixth Street entertainment district within the past five years, including one in the summer of 2021 that left 14 people wounded.

Austin Mayor Kirk Watson praised the fast response by police and rescuers.

“They definitely saved lives,” he said.

Also early on March 1, officials in Ohio said a shooting at a nightclub injured nine people. All nine had gunshot wounds, but none were life-threatening, according to Adam Hennie, the city’s interim police chief.

The shooting comes as the FBI on Feb. 28 raised its counterterrorism teams to be on high alert following U.S. military strikes on Iran that killed its top leadership, including Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

While saying that the FBI’s joint terrorism task forces are working to disrupt any possible terrorist plots, FBI Director Kash Patel wrote on X that he told “our counterterrorism and intelligence teams to be on high alert and mobilize all assisting security assets needed.”

The Associated Press contributed to this report.