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The attack began shortly after 2:15 p.m. in the parking lot of the Target store located on Research Boulevard in North Austin. Witnesses say the scene erupted in chaos as gunfire rang out, sending shoppers running for their lives.
Two of the victims — an adult and a child — died before first responders could transport them to the hospital. The third victim succumbed to injuries shortly after arrival at a nearby medical facility. A fourth person suffered unrelated injuries and was treated on-site.
Following the shooting, police say Nieneker fled in a stolen vehicle. The escape didn’t last long. He crashed the car during the initial getaway, then reportedly forced another driver out of their vehicle and sped away again.
This second chase ended in South Austin, where law enforcement cornered the suspect. Officers used a Taser to subdue him before taking him into custody without further gunfire.
Austin Police Chief Lisa Davis confirmed the suspect’s history of both run-ins with the law and mental health concerns, raising questions about how he was able to gain access to a firearm in the first place. The weapon, police say, was obtained from a family member — another fact that may spark debate about securing guns from those with unstable relatives.
CBS News also reported additional details about the chaotic aftermath:
“Authorities said Tuesday that 32-year-old Ethan Nieneker, who has a criminal record and a history of mental health issues, opened fire around 2:15 p.m. in the parking lot of the Target at 8601 Research Boulevard in North Austin. Two of the victims, an adult and a child, died at the scene. A third victim died after being taken to a hospital. A fourth person was treated at the scene for unrelated injuries.”
While police have not released a clear motive, the suspect’s delusional claim to be “Jesus” paints a troubling picture of a man detached from reality. The investigation is ongoing, with authorities combing through Nieneker’s past to determine what led to this violent spree.
For now, Austin is left to grieve the senseless loss of life — a community shaken by a tragedy that unfolded in broad daylight at one of the city’s busiest shopping centers.
