A calm afternoon at a Target store in Austin, Texas, was shattered when a gunman opened fire outside the building, leaving three people dead and others injured.
The suspect, identified as 32-year-old Ethan Blaine Nieneker, has been arrested following a tense police chase across the city.
The Man Behind the Shooting and His Criminal Past
Austin Police confirmed that Nieneker, a career criminal with a long history of arrests, is in custody.
Over the years, his record includes multiple run-ins with the law, ranging from assault to driving while intoxicated.
Police Chief Lisa Davis noted that he also struggles with mental illness, although it remains unclear what triggered the violent attack.
Dramatic Police Pursuit Ends with Taser Arrest in South Austin
After the shooting around 2 p.m., Nieneker fled the scene in a stolen vehicle from the Target parking lot but crashed shortly afterward.
Undeterred, he stole another car from a nearby Volkswagen dealership.
Police eventually caught up with him in South Austin, using a Taser to bring him down before arresting him.
Victims and Witnesses Describe Moments of Panic
Medics pronounced two victims dead at the scene, with a third passing away on the way to the hospital.
A fourth person suffered unrelated injuries and was treated onsite. The victims have not yet been identified.
Inside the Target, employees and shoppers recounted moments of chaos and fear.
Employee Freyen Sagastume told reporters, “I was inside the store when we heard shots fired. The announcement came: ‘active shooter.’
We ran outside and urged guests to get out.” She added, “I thought this only happened on the news. I froze at first, then saw everyone running.”
Nearby, staff at a Jiffy Lube locked their doors and hid after hearing about the shooting.
Mechanic Paul Smith said he saw panicked people running from their cars. “I had just left Target minutes before,” he shared.
Community Leaders and Target Respond to the Tragedy
Austin Mayor Kirk Watson expressed his condolences and praised the swift response from police and first responders.
“This was a sickening, cowardly act of gun violence,” he said in a statement on X, assuring the public that the investigation is ongoing.
Target’s spokesperson also issued a heartfelt statement, promising support and counseling for employees affected by the trauma.
“We are devastated by the violence that occurred today at our Austin store,” the statement read.
“Our hearts go out to the families, our team, and everyone impacted.”
Ongoing Investigation and Support for Those Affected
Authorities continue to investigate the motives behind the shooting.
In the meantime, Target is collaborating closely with law enforcement and providing grief counseling to staff members.
This remains a developing story, with updates expected as more information becomes available.