Austin, August 12, 2025
News Summary
A tragic shooting near a Target store in north Austin left three people dead and one injured. The suspect has been arrested after fleeing the scene. Eyewitnesses reported chaos as gunfire erupted in the parking lot. The community reels from the violence, with local officials expressing their condolences and Target providing support resources.
Austin
Three individuals are dead and a suspect has been arrested following a shooting that occurred on Monday afternoon outside a Target store in north Austin, Texas. The incident took place at approximately 2:15 p.m. at the Target located at 8601 Research Boulevard, near Ohlen Road.
Law enforcement was alerted to the scene shortly after reports of gunfire were made. Officers arriving at the Target found three victims shot in the parking lot. Two of the victims were pronounced dead at the scene, while a third was transported to a local hospital where they succumbed to their injuries. Additionally, a fourth individual sustained unrelated injuries but did not require hospitalization.
The suspect, a 32-year-old man with a previous history of mental health issues, has not been publicly identified. Following the shooting, the suspect hijacked a car to flee the scene, but crashed the stolen vehicle. He subsequently hijacked another car, which led to his apprehension by police in south Austin using a Taser.
Details of the Incident
According to preliminary information, one of the deceased victims is believed to be the driver of the vehicle that was stolen during the incident. Eyewitnesses reported a chaotic scene, where numerous individuals were seen scattering for safety amidst the sound of gunfire. Initial reports mentioned a possible child victim, but further details were not clarified during the subsequent press briefing.
Responses from Authorities and Community
Police Chief Lisa Davis described the day as “very sad” for the Austin community, echoing sentiments of grief and shock. Austin Mayor Kirk Watson condemned the act of violence as a “sickening, cowardly act of gun violence,” offering condolences to the victims and their families. In the wake of the tragedy, Target issued a statement expressing their devastation over the events and extended support to the families affected.
The area surrounding the Target store was sealed off as investigators worked diligently to gather evidence. Vehicles left in the parking lot during the incident were not released until after 10 p.m., while the 8000 block of the MoPac southbound frontage road was closed to facilitate the investigation. Despite these closures, the main lanes of MoPac remained open throughout the inquiry.
Support and Resources
In light of the violence, Target announced that they would provide support resources, including grief counseling, to their team in Austin. The company is committed to assisting employees as they navigate the emotional trauma resulting from this event.
Conclusion
The community of Austin faces a thorough and challenging healing process after such a devastating incident. As investigations continue, condolences and support pour in for the victims’ families, highlighting the tragic impact of gun violence on communities.
FAQ Section
What happened at the Target store in north Austin?
A shooting occurred outside the Target store on Monday afternoon, resulting in three fatalities and multiple injuries. The suspect fled the scene but was arrested shortly after.
Who was involved in the shooting?
Three individuals were killed, and a fourth person was treated for unrelated injuries. The suspect is a 32-year-old man with a history of mental health issues.
What is being done to support the victims’ families?
Target is providing support resources, including grief counseling, to their employees and the victims’ families following the incident.
Key Features of the Incident
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Incident Type | Shooting |
| Location | Target store, 8601 Research Boulevard, Austin, TX |
| Date and Time | Monday, 2:15 p.m. |
| Victims | 3 fatalities, 1 injury |
| Suspect | 32-year-old man, history of mental health issues |
| Police Action | Suspect arrested after vehicle hijacking |
| Community Response | Condolences from city officials and support resources offered by Target |
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Additional Resources
- ABC News
- Wikipedia: Target Corporation
- KVUE
- Google Search: Austin Target Shooting
- CNN
- Google Scholar: Austin Target Shooting
- New York Times
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Gun Violence
- Fox News
- Google News: Austin Target Shooting
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The AUSTIN STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAustinTX.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Austin, Travis County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as SXSW, Austin City Limits Music Festival, Formula 1 United States Grand Prix, and the Austin Film Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Austin Chamber of Commerce and Visit Austin, plus leading businesses in technology, automotive, and retail that power the local economy such as Dell Technologies, Tesla, and Apple. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERECollegeStation.com, HEREDallas.com, HEREHouston.com, and HERESanAntonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
