Daijiworld Media Network - Austin

Austin, Aug 12: A gunman opened fire in the parking lot of a Target store in Austin on Monday, killing at least three people before fleeing in a stolen vehicle, police said.

Austin Police Chief Lisa Davis informed that the suspect, a man in his 30s with a history of mental health issues, first stole a car from the scene, later crashed it, and then hijacked another vehicle from a dealership. He was eventually captured in south Austin after officers used a Taser to subdue him.

Responding officers found two victims dead at the scene, while another succumbed to injuries at a hospital. One more person was treated at the scene for unrelated injuries. The identities of the victims have not been released.

“This is a very sad day for Austin,” Davis said, extending condolences to the bereaved families.

Austin Mayor Kirk Watson condemned the incident on X, calling it “a sickening, cowardly act of gun violence” and expressing solidarity with the victims’ families.

The shooting occurred as families were engaged in back-to-school shopping. Target has yet to issue a statement on the tragedy.