Austin Target Gunman Kills Three During Back-to-School Rush

A gunman in his 30s with a documented history of mental health issues opened fire in a Target parking lot in north Austin, Texas, killing three people including a child and injuring another. The shooting began following a dispute over a car theft, after which the suspect stole multiple vehicles during his escape, eventually being arrested about 20 miles away in south Austin. Two victims died at the scene, while the third succumbed to injuries in the hospital. Austin Police Chief Lisa Davis and Mayor Kirk Watson condemned the attack, highlighting the tragedy amidst a busy back-to-school shopping period and the broader rise in gun violence across the U.S. This incident follows recent violent events nationwide, including a stabbing spree in Michigan and a deadly shooting in New York City, underscoring ongoing concerns about public safety and gun-related crimes. The investigation into the shooter’s background and motives continues as the community mourns the loss and seeks answers.