Austin Target Shooting: Three Dead, Suspect Arrested — Is There A Child Involved?

Three people have been killed and a suspect is in custody following a shooting outside a Target store in North Austin, Texas, on Monday afternoon. The incident occurred at approximately 2:15 p.m. on 11 August 2025 in the car park of the Target branch at 8601 Research Boulevard.

Police confirmed the fatalities and said a fourth person suffered non-gunshot-related injuries. The motive for the attack remains under investigation.

Scene of the Incident

Emergency calls were made shortly after gunfire erupted in the busy retail area. Witnesses reported hearing multiple shots, prompting customers and staff to take shelter inside the store. Responding officers quickly cordoned off the site and began searching for the suspect, who had already fled the scene.

The Austin Police Department said the area was secured within minutes, and investigators commenced evidence gathering while nearby roads were temporarily closed.

Three Victims Confirmed, Reports Suggest One Is a Child

Authorities confirmed that three people died as a result of the shooting. According to the Associated Press, the victims were two adults and one child, though this detail has not been officially confirmed by the Austin Police.

Two of the victims were pronounced dead at the scene, while the third was transported to the hospital and later died from injuries. A fourth individual received treatment at the scene for injuries unrelated to gunfire.

Officials have not released the identities of the victims pending family notification.

The Suspect and Arrest

Police identified the suspect as a 32-year-old man with a documented history of mental illness. Following the shooting, he reportedly carjacked a vehicle in the Target car park and fled northbound. That vehicle was later involved in a crash, after which he stole another vehicle from a nearby car dealership.

The chase continued into South Austin, where officers intercepted the suspect. He was subdued with a Taser and taken into custody without further incident. The Austin Police Department has not yet confirmed the specific charges he will face.

Investigation and Official Statements

The investigation remains ongoing, with detectives reviewing CCTV footage and gathering witness statements. Police have not disclosed a possible motive for the attack. Austin Police Chief Lisa Davis described the shooting as 'a very sad day for Austin.' She also offered her condolences to the victim's families.

Mayor Kirk Watson also issued a statement condemning the incident, calling it 'a sickening, cowardly act of gun violence' and expressing condolences to the victims' families.

Target Corporation said they 'are devastated by the violence that occurred today' and confirmed it is cooperating fully with law enforcement. The company added that it is providing grief counselling and support services to employees affected by the events.

Child Victim Not Yet Officially Confirmed

While the Associated Press has reported that one of the three victims was a child, Austin Police have not yet confirmed this detail publicly or officially. As of Monday evening, officials had not released any further information on the victims, including their identities or ages. Authorities said additional details would be provided once the investigation allowed and all families had been notified.