Crockett might want to rethink this one.
A deadly mass shooting in Austin, Texas that left three people dead and more than a dozen injured has ignited political controversy just days before the Texas Democratic Senate primary.
But instead of addressing concerns about possible terrorism or extremist motivations, two of the leading Democratic candidates in the race sparked backlash after focusing their comments on gun control and racial narratives.
Critics say their responses ignored troubling evidence that investigators are now examining as part of a potential terror-related investigation.
Deadly Austin Shooting Leaves Multiple Victims
The tragedy unfolded early Sunday morning in a popular Austin nightlife district.
Police say 53-year-old Ndiaga Diagne opened fire into a crowded bar area, killing three victims and injuring more than a dozen others before being shot and killed by responding officers.
Witnesses described scenes of panic as people fled the area while emergency responders rushed to treat victims.
Authorities later confirmed that investigators recovered disturbing items connected to the suspect during a search of his residence.
According to law enforcement sources, Diagne was reportedly wearing a hoodie that read “Property of Allah” during the attack.
During a search of his home, police also discovered an Iranian flag and photographs of Islamic leaders, raising new questions about possible extremist motives.
Officials stress that the investigation remains ongoing.
Austin Police Investigating Possible Terror Links
Austin Police Chief Lisa Davis confirmed Monday that federal authorities have joined the investigation as officials examine whether the shooting could be connected to extremist ideology.
“We are looking at the totality of the evidence,” Davis said during a press conference.
“There are indicators investigators must examine carefully, and we are considering broader national and international events as well.”
The shooting occurred one day after U.S. and Israeli military strikes targeting Iranian leadership, further fueling speculation that the attack could have been politically or ideologically motivated.
At this stage, authorities say determining the suspect’s motive remains the top priority.
Democrats Focus on Prayer and Gun Control
Despite the emerging details surrounding the investigation, Democratic Senate candidates James Talarico and Rep. Jasmine Crockett (D-TX) focused their public responses on gun legislation and prayer.
In an interview with MS Now, Talarico argued that lawmakers must pass stricter gun regulations rather than relying solely on faith.
“I believe in the power of prayer, and I believe prayer changes lives,” Talarico said.
“But it’s deeply cynical to ask God to fix a problem that lawmakers refuse to address themselves.”
Talarico used the moment to promote familiar Democratic policy proposals including universal background checks and red-flag gun laws.
Those proposals have become central themes of his campaign.
Crockett Warns Against Blaming Minorities
Meanwhile, Rep. Jasmine Crockett addressed the tragedy in a TikTok video where she urged Americans not to draw conclusions about the suspect’s identity.
According to Crockett, minority communities often worry they will be blamed whenever violent incidents occur.
“Whenever something like this happens, Black Americans are hoping the suspect isn’t Black because they know it could put a bigger target on their backs,” Crockett said.
She added that immigrant communities may feel the same fear.
But her remarks quickly triggered criticism online, with some viewers accusing the congresswoman of introducing race into the conversation instead of focusing on the victims.
WATCH:
When asked about the shooting in Austin, Jasmine Crockett says “I don’t know how it is that we got here. That what one person does somehow is then impugned on an entire community.”
— The Post Millennial (@TPostMillennial) March 2, 2026
pic.twitter.com/7jP1FJJiJ7
Critics Slam Democrats’ Response
Republican officials were quick to condemn the candidates’ comments.
Zach Kraft, a spokesman for the Republican National Committee, criticized the Democrats for what he called a failure to address potential terrorism concerns.
“Instead of condemning the radical ideology behind this horrific attack, these Democrats are blaming law-abiding Texans who go to church and follow the law,” Kraft said.
“Americans deserve leaders who are willing to confront violent extremism head-on.”
The response reflects a broader debate unfolding across the country about national security, terrorism, and public safety.
Crockett Sparks Further Controversy
During another interview discussing mass violence, Crockett made a claim about the demographics of mass shooters in the United States.
“If you look at the facts about mass shootings, the majority have been White, male and homegrown,” Crockett said.
Critics immediately pushed back, arguing that such statements only deepen division and distract from addressing the root causes of violence.
Crockett did not explain how that observation would translate into concrete policy solutions if she were elected to the Senate.
Instead, she doubled down on calls for stricter firearm laws.
“We need to do something about guns,” she said. “Don’t immediately blame immigrants. Maybe the problem is weak gun laws.”
Talarico Pushes Red-Flag Gun Laws
Talarico also reiterated his support for stronger firearm restrictions, including expanding red-flag laws.
Those laws allow courts to temporarily block individuals from purchasing firearms if they are deemed a potential threat.
“Dangerous people should not be allowed to enter the country, and dangerous people should not be allowed to obtain guns,” Talarico said.
Gun rights advocates, however, argue that red-flag laws raise serious constitutional and due process concerns.
Texas Senate Race Heats Up
With the Texas Democratic Senate primary approaching, the Austin shooting has become an unexpected flashpoint in the race.
For many voters, especially those concerned about crime, national security, and terrorism, the candidates’ responses to the tragedy could influence how they cast their ballots.
Meanwhile, law enforcement officials continue working to determine whether the Austin attack was an isolated act of violence or part of a broader extremist threat.
Authorities say the investigation remains active.
