Three killed at Target in Austin Texas

A gunman opened fire in the parking lot of a Target store in Austin, Texas, killing three people and prompting a citywide manhunt.

Gunman Kills Three at Target in Austin Texas

A gunman opened fire in the parking lot of a Target store in Austin, Texas, killing three people. Police describe the attacker as a man in his 30s with a mental health history. He fled in a stolen car, crashed, and then stole another vehicle from a nearby dealership before he was captured. Emergency responders found the victims at the scene; two died on site and a third died later at a hospital.

The incident comes as Austin prepares for a new school year and follows a string of high profile shootings that have kept gun violence in the national conversation. Mayor Kirk Watson and Police Chief Lisa Davis condemned the attack, and the city urged residents to stay vigilant. National data from Gun Violence Archives show thousands of gun deaths and hundreds of mass shootings so far in 2025, underscoring the scale of the issue.

The shooting shows how violence disrupts daily life in communities across the country, from shopping centers to neighborhoods. It highlights gaps in prevention, mental health support, and rapid law enforcement response that many cities are trying to address. Local leaders face pressure to translate sympathy into concrete policy and safety measures in public spaces.

As Austin mourns, the case intensifies a national debate about gun access, funding for community services, and the balance between individual rights and public safety. The immediate task for the city is to support victims and families while lawmakers consider longer term steps that can reduce risk without eroding trust in everyday venues like stores.

Highlights

Austin faces a hard test as it seeks safety and resilience in a city still reeling from this incident.