‘Because he’s Indian…’: Laura Loomer calls Kash Patel ‘Muslim’ over Austin bar shooting

A shooting outside a student bar in Austin, Texas, sparked a political debate after right-wing commentator Laura Loomer accused FBI Director Kash Patel of downplaying what she considered an act of “Islamic terrorism.”A gunman opened fire outside a Buford bar in Austin on Sunday, killing three people and injuring more than a dozen others. Police later identified the victims as Ryder Harrington (19), Savitha Shan (21) and Jorge Pederson (30).

The suspect was identified as Ndiaga Diagne. He was a naturalized U.S. citizen born in Senegal who was shot and killed by police who confronted him shortly after the attack.Federal officials said they were investigating whether the shooting had “potential terrorism ties,” including possible ties to the U.S.-Iran conflict.According to CBS News, the shooter was wearing a sweatshirt with the words “Property of Allah” printed on it. Authorities also reportedly found an Iranian flag and photos of the Iranian leader when they searched the suspect’s home.The attack came days after the United States and Israel launched an attack on Iran that reportedly killed Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.In a post on X, Loomer criticized Patel for not describing the attack as Islamic terrorism. “I personally believe Kash Patel is Muslim-owned. He was a lobbyist for Qatar before becoming FBI director,” she wrote.The MAGA commentator also took aim at Patel’s Indian heritage: “I think since he’s Indian he would understand how barbaric these Muslims are, but he actually refuses to speak of Islamic terrorism.”She added, “He loves Qatari money. It’s sad.”Discussing the details of the investigative report, Loomer listed several items allegedly linked to the suspect: “property of God,” “an Iranian flag shirt,” “a Quran in the car,” and “photos of the Ayatollah in the terrorist’s home.”Loomer scoffed at the FBI’s choice of words, asking: “Kash, what else do you need to see to say the motive was Islamic terrorism?” “Potential terrorism connection? Are you serious?” Loomer saidAuthorities have so far avoided drawing conclusions about the motives behind the attack.

How the attack unfolded

Austin Police Chief Lisa Davis said the gunman drove a large SUV through the bar around 2:00 a.m. local time, turned on the vehicle’s hazard lights, rolled down the windows, and shot at people standing outside.After he parked his car nearby, he reportedly got out of the car with the rifle and began walking back to the bar. Three police officers confronted him at the intersection and shot him dead, preventing further casualties in the very busy area.Texas Governor Greg Abbott said state and federal officials would continue to investigate whether the attack had any links to terrorists.