At least three people were killed in a tragic shooting outside a Target store in Austin, Texas, on August 11, 2025. The Austin shooting suspect, a 32-year-old white man with a history of mental health issues, has been taken into custody following a dramatic police pursuit after the deadly attack. This incident has deeply shaken the Austin community and triggered an ongoing investigation by law enforcement officials.
The shooting occurred at approximately 2:15 p.m. in the parking lot of the Target located at 8601 Research Boulevard, a busy shopping area in North Austin. Upon arrival, officers found three victims who had been shot during the attack. Two were pronounced dead at the scene, and the third succumbed to injuries after being transported to a nearby hospital. Emergency services also treated another individual at the scene for unrelated injuries.
Following the shooting, the suspect fled in a stolen vehicle. After crashing that car, he hijacked a second vehicle from a nearby dealership and attempted to escape. Officers located and apprehended the suspect in South Austin, where he was tased and taken into custody without further incident.
Austin Police Chief Lisa Davis characterized the suspect as having a prior criminal record and mental health history, noting he had previously been placed on emergency holds. Authorities have not yet determined a clear motive for the attack or whether the victims were known to the suspect. The victims’ identities have not been released pending notification of their families.
Significant police presence and road closures remain in place around the scene as the investigation continues. The attack has been described by Austin Mayor Kirk Watson as a “sickening, cowardly act of gun violence.” He expressed his condolences to the victims’ families and commended the swift actions of first responders who apprehended the suspect.
Key details of the incident:
- Location: Target store parking lot, 8601 Research Boulevard, North Austin
- Time: Approximately 2:15 p.m., August 11, 2025
- Fatalities: 3 people, two at the scene and one at hospital
- Suspect: 32-year-old white male with mental health history and prior criminal record
- Suspect’s escape: Fled in stolen vehicle, crashed, carjacked second vehicle, apprehended in South Austin
- Investigation: Ongoing; motive and victim identities not yet disclosed
This tragic event unfolded during the busy back-to-school shopping season, adding to the shock felt by shoppers and community members in the area. Witnesses reported hearing gunfire and saw people running for safety as police arrived promptly to secure the scene.
Authorities continue to urge anyone who witnessed the shooting or the suspect’s escape to come forward with information to assist the investigation.
Austin remains united in grief and resilience as it mourns the victims of this senseless violence. The community’s focus now turns to supporting those affected and ensuring justice is served.
Stay informed and share your thoughts below as this story develops and more details become available.
