by Austin, TX – A tragic shooting outside a Target store in Austin left three people dead, including a child, and sent shockwaves through the community on Monday afternoon. The suspect, who authorities say has a history of mental health issues and prior criminal activity, is now in custody after a dramatic series of events following the attack.
The Shooting Unfolds
According to Austin Police Chief Lisa Davis, officers were dispatched to the Target parking lot at around 2:15 p.m. local time after reports of gunfire. Police arrived within four minutes and discovered three individuals with gunshot wounds.
Two victims were pronounced dead at the scene, while the third died later at a hospital, confirmed Austin-Travis County Emergency Medical Services Chief Robert Luckritz. Another person was treated for non-gunshot-related injuries sustained during the chaotic incident.
Captain Shannon Koesterer of Austin-Travis County EMS confirmed that one of the deceased was a child, while the other two were adults.
Suspect’s Actions After the Shooting
Following the shooting, the suspect stole a vehicle from the parking lot, crashed it, and then hijacked a Volkswagen from a dealership, Chief Davis said. Police eventually located the suspect in south Austin, where they used a taser to subdue and take him into custody.
Authorities say the suspect has both a mental health history and a criminal record. The motive for the attack remains unclear, and police have not yet confirmed whether the victims and suspect knew each other.
Community and Official Reactions
Austin Mayor Kirk Watson called the incident “a sickening, cowardly act of gun violence.” In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Watson expressed condolences:
“This is a devastating situation, and my heart is with the victims and their families.”
Target Corporation issued a statement saying it was “devastated by the violence” at its Austin store and is cooperating fully with law enforcement as the investigation continues.,.
Crime Scene Still Active
Authorities have confirmed that the parking lot remains an active crime scene, and vehicle owners are currently unable to retrieve their cars. Police have urged those affected to arrange alternative transportation until the scene is cleared.
The investigation is being handled by the Austin Police Department, with assistance from other local agencies.
Broader Context of Gun Violence
This shooting comes amid ongoing national debates over gun violence prevention and mental health resources. According to data from the Gun Violence Archive, Texas has experienced multiple mass shooting incidents in 2025 alone, sparking renewed calls for legislative action.
While Austin has made strides in implementing community-based safety programs, officials say the challenge of preventing sudden, random acts of violence remains a major public safety concern.
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Support for the Victims’ Families
Local nonprofits and crisis counselors are mobilizing to provide mental health support to those affected by the shooting. Police have encouraged witnesses to come forward with any information that could help investigators piece together the suspect’s movements and motive.
As this tragic case develops, the community continues to mourn the loss of three lives—two adults and a young child—whose futures were cut short in an instant.
Our thoughts are with the families and friends of the victims during this heartbreaking time. Have you witnessed similar acts of public violence or have ideas for improving community safety? Share your views at ibwhsmag.com.
