Austin, TX — A shooting in the parking lot of a Target store in Austin on Monday afternoon left three people dead, including a child, and another person injured, according to local authorities.
Police Responded Within Minutes
At a press conference, Austin Police Chief Lisa Davis said officers were dispatched at 2:15 p.m. and arrived on scene within four minutes, finding three victims suffering from gunshot wounds in the parking lot.
“Two of the people died on scene and a third person was declared dead at the hospital,”
— Austin-Travis County Emergency Medical Services Chief Robert Luckritz, via CNN
A fourth person was treated for non-gunshot-related injuries, Luckritz added. Officials confirmed that one victim was a child, and the other two were adults.
Motive Remains Unclear
Captain Shannon Koesterer of Austin-Travis County EMS confirmed that one child and two adults were among the deceased but said investigators have not yet determined what sparked the shooting.
Chief Davis noted the suspect has both a criminal record and a history of mental health issues. After the shooting, the suspect allegedly stole a car, crashed it, and then hijacked a Volkswagen from a dealership before being captured.
“The suspect was taken into custody in south Austin after being tazed,” Davis said.
City Leaders Condemn Violence
Austin Mayor Kirk Watson condemned the attack, calling it “a sickening, cowardly act of gun violence.”
“This is a devastating situation, and my heart is with the victims and their families,”
— Mayor Kirk Watson, via CNN
Target issued a statement saying the company was “devastated by the violence” at its Austin store and is working with law enforcement on the investigation.
Public Safety Advisory
Police said vehicles parked in the lot cannot be removed yet because it remains part of an active crime scene. Residents who had cars there were urged to seek alternative transportation until the area is cleared.
Key points for residents in such situations:
- Avoid approaching active crime scenes until law enforcement gives clearance.
- Stay updated through official police channels for safe access to vehicles or belongings.
Investigation Ongoing
Authorities are still piecing together the events leading up to the shooting, reviewing surveillance footage, and speaking with witnesses. No formal charges have been announced yet, but police say the suspect remains in custody and the community is no longer at risk.
What are your thoughts on the continued gun violence in U.S. cities? Share your opinions in the comments.
