Arrest Made in Deadly Shooting Incident Outside Texas Target Store
In Austin, Texas, on August 11, 2025, a tragic incident unfolded outside a Target store during the busy back-to-school shopping period. A gunman, identified as 32-year-old Ethan Nieneker, killed three people and injured one.
According to local authorities, the police arrived at the scene within four minutes after receiving the first call at 2:15 PM local time. Officers used a Taser before taking Nieneker into custody. The suspect fled the crime scene in a stolen car, but was later apprehended.
The victims of the shooting were found fatally shot in the parking lot. At this time, the specific details about the victims or a possible motive behind the incident have yet to be released. However, Nieneker reportedly claimed to be Jesus during his arrest and statements, suggesting possible delusional behavior.
Nieneker's criminal history includes family violence, driving while intoxicated (DWI), possession, vandalism, and other offenses dating back to at least 2012. He spent time in jail in 2016 and 2017 for family violence, DWI, and violating bond or protective orders. Several family violence charges were either dismissed or unresolved, with the latest dismissal in 2019.
Police officials have confirmed that Nieneker has a documented history of mental health issues. Mental illness is not considered a predictor of violence in this context, and only 5% of shooting deaths in the U.S. involve individuals with mental health disabilities.
Kirk Watson, Austin's mayor, expressed condolences for the victims and their families. A Target Corporate spokesperson also expressed condolences and stated that the company is working with law enforcement on the investigation and providing grief counseling and other resources to employees.
This incident is being investigated by local authorities, and the specific factors contributing to the attack are still being determined. The shooting raises legal concerns since federal law generally prohibits people convicted of domestic violence from possessing firearms, and it is believed that Nieneker obtained the handgun used in the shooting through his family.
This tragic event in Austin is described as a "sickening, cowardly act of gun violence." The community is left grappling with the aftermath, offering support and prayers for the affected families and the city as a whole.
The community is also grappling with the impact of the tragic shooting on mental health, as the shooter, Ethan Nieneker, reportedly had documented mental health issues. Furthermore, this incident highlights the importance of addressing mental health in the context of general news and health-and-wellness discussions, particularly considering that only 5% of shooting deaths in the U.S. involve individuals with mental health disabilities. Additionally, the incident serves as a reminder of the broader issues of crime-and-justice and health, as the shooter had acriminal history that included family violence and gun possession, which is generally prohibited under federal law for convicted domestic violence offenders.
