EXCLUSIVE: Trump Says Austin Shooter Was ‘Just A Whack Job’

(Photo by Brandon Bell/Getty Images)

CBS News reports that authorities found an Iranian flag and images of Iranian leaders in Diagne’s house and a Quran in his car. While authorities have not yet confirmed a motive, the attack has led to speculation that the incident was a lone-wolf domestic terror attack.

The shooter is from Senegal and had first entered the United States in 2000 on a B-2 tourist visa, according to the Department of Homeland Security. He became a permanent resident six years after he entered the country by marrying a United States citizen, and was naturalized in 2013.

The White House confirmed on Sunday that the president was briefed about the shooting in Austin, but he does not appear to have publicly commented on it otherwise.

Today, President Trump has spoken with the leaders of Israel, Bahrain, and the UAE.

The President has also been briefed on the shooting in Austin, Texas.

— Karoline Leavitt (@PressSec) March 1, 2026

FBI Director Kash Patel promised on Saturday that “FBI personnel are fully engaged on the situation overseas.”

“Last night I instructed our Counterterrorism and intelligence teams to be on high alert and mobilize all assisting security assets needed,” he said in a statement on Saturday. “Our JTTFs throughout the country are working 24/7, as always, to address and disrupt any potential threats to the homeland. While the military handles force protection overseas, the FBI remains at the forefront of deterring attacks here at home – and will continue to have our team work around the clock to protect Americans.”

Secretary of War Pete Hegseth told The Daily Wire Monday that the Trump administration is monitoring for potential domestic threats related to Operation Epic Fury.