Published Time: 08-12-2025, 09:45

Authorities in Austin, Texas, say a man opened fire in the parking lot of a Target store Monday afternoon, killing two adults and a child before fleeing in stolen vehicles. The suspect was later captured following a multi-location pursuit. Police are investigating the motive behind the attack.

Incident Overview

AUSTIN, Texas — A shooting at a Target store in north Austin on Monday afternoon left three people dead and a community reeling. According to Austin Police Chief Lisa Davis, the suspect, a man in his 30s with a known history of mental health issues, opened fire in the store’s parking lot at approximately 2:15 p.m.

Emergency responders found two adults and one child with gunshot wounds. An adult and the child were pronounced dead at the scene, while the second adult died at a local hospital, Austin-Travis County Emergency Medical Services confirmed.

A fourth individual was treated for a non-traumatic medical complaint unrelated to the shooting.

Suspect’s Flight and Arrest

Police say the shooter initially fled the scene in a stolen car belonging to one of the victims. That vehicle was later involved in a crash, prompting the suspect to steal a second car from a nearby dealership.

Authorities tracked the man to south Austin, roughly 20 miles (32 kilometers) from the scene. Officers used a Taser to subdue and arrest him without further injuries.

Chief Davis told reporters the suspect’s motive remains under investigation, noting that his mental health history is a key factor police are reviewing.

Witness Accounts

Several witnesses described chaotic scenes in the moments following the gunfire.

Lonnie Lee, 22, said she and her sister had been shopping at the Target earlier in the day before leaving for lunch. When they returned to the area, they were confronted by police barricades and emergency vehicles.

“We got really, really lucky,” Lee said. “And some people didn’t.”

At a nearby Jiffy Lube, employees locked the doors after learning of the shooting. Paul Smith, who works at the auto service shop, recalled returning from the Target moments before the incident.

“I had just gotten back from the Target like a minute before,” Smith said.

Community and Official Responses

Austin Mayor Kirk Watson addressed the tragedy on social media, calling it “a sickening, cowardly act of gun violence” and expressing condolences to the victims’ families.

Target Corporation released a statement expressing deep sorrow and confirming that grief counseling will be made available to employees in the Austin area.

“Our hearts are with the families and loved ones of those who lost their lives, our team in Austin, and all those impacted by this tragedy,” the company said.

Broader Context

The incident occurred during the busy back-to-school shopping season, a period when stores often experience increased foot traffic.

The shooting also comes less than three weeks after an unrelated attack at a Walmart in Traverse City, Michigan, where 11 people were injured in a stabbing spree. Authorities in that case have charged the suspect with terrorism and multiple counts of attempted murder.

Ongoing Investigation

Authorities are working to determine what led to Monday’s violence in Austin. Police have not released the names of the victims or the suspect, pending notification of family members.

Chief Davis emphasized the department’s commitment to a thorough investigation. “This is a very sad day for Austin. It’s a very sad day for us all,” she said. “My condolences go out to the families.”

Investigators are reviewing security footage, interviewing witnesses, and examining evidence from multiple locations across the city.

Source: AP News – Shooter kills 3 in a Target parking lot in Austin, Texas, before being captured, police say

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