On Monday afternoon, tragedy struck in Austin, Texas, when a gunman opened fire in the parking lot of a Target store on Research Boulevard. The incident, which began just after 2:15 p.m., left three people dead and a community reeling.
Initial Response and Scene Description
Austin Police Chief Lisa Davis confirmed that officers responded within minutes of the first 911 calls. When they arrived, they found three victims in the parking lot suffering from gunshot wounds. Two were pronounced dead at the scene, and the third was transported to a local hospital where they later died. A fourth individual was treated for non-related injuries.
Suspect Flees and Carjacks Multiple Vehicles
Police say the suspect, a 32-year-old man with a criminal record and documented mental health issues, fled the scene in a vehicle stolen from one of the victims. After crashing that car, he allegedly took another from a nearby dealership—a Volkswagen—before driving south.
Arrest in South Austin
The pursuit ended in South Austin when officers located the suspect. According to Chief Davis, the man exited the stolen vehicle and was confronted by police. After a brief standoff, he was subdued with a Taser and taken into custody without further injuries to bystanders.
Motive Still Unknown
Authorities have not yet determined the motive behind the shooting. Chief Davis said investigators are reviewing surveillance footage and interviewing witnesses to piece together the sequence of events. “It’s a very sad day for Austin,” she stated. “Our thoughts are with the families who have lost loved ones.”
Victim Identities Pending
The names of the victims have not yet been released, pending notification of next of kin. Law enforcement officials have not confirmed reports that one of the victims may have been a child.
Target’s Statement
Target released a statement Monday evening expressing condolences to the victims’ families and gratitude to first responders. “We are devastated by the violence that occurred today at our store in Austin, Texas. 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 statement read. The company also confirmed that grief counseling will be offered to its employees.
Investigation Continues
While the suspect is now in custody, the investigation remains active. Austin police are urging anyone with information or video footage of the incident to contact them. Officials say it could be hours—or even days—before a full timeline and motive are confirmed.
A Community in Mourning
As evening fell, the parking lot where the shooting took place was still sealed off by police tape. Officers, detectives, and crime scene technicians worked under floodlights while shocked shoppers looked on from behind barricades. What had been a routine afternoon of back-to-school shopping quickly turned into a nightmare that will not be forgotten anytime soon.
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