3 I died shooting outside of Austin’s target.
Three are dead and the suspect is in custody after a shooting at a target in North Austin.
Fox-7 Austin
Police in Austin, Texas identified a 32-year-old man who was taken into custody in connection with a fatal shooting outside the Target Store on Monday, August 11th.
Austin police announced on August 12 that Ethan Nienker had been arrested after a shooting in a retailer’s parking lot.
In a statement to media outlets, including KVUE and CBS News Texas, Target said it is working with authorities on an ongoing investigation.
“Our hearts lie with those who lost their lives, our team in Austin, and the families and loved ones of all those affected by this tragedy,” the statement said. “In the coming days, we will continue to partner with law enforcement and provide support resources to our teams, including grief counseling.”
This is what we know so far.
What we know about the suspect
Officers responded to the target at 2:15pm on August 11th. By then, the suspected shooter, who was later identified as Nienekar, fled to the stolen car, quickly crashed it and stole another car, Prime Minister Lisa Davis said at a press conference.
Police then pursued the suspect, used a Taser stun gun on him and arrested him, Davis said. The suspect is believed to have a history of mental health challenges, authorities noted.
Citing prison records, Nieneker was charged with first-degree murder of a person under the age of 10, capital murder due to a threat of terrorism, and capital murder. According to CNN and Keye.
Local officials are scheduled to hold a press conference on August 12th at 2pm.
What you know about the victim
Two victims were declared dead at the scene, while the third died at a local hospital, Austin Travis County EMS chief Robertler Clitz said at a press conference.
The victims were not publicly named, but authorities identified them as two adults and one child, according to CNN and local news outlet KXAN.
“Comic disease behavior”
In a social media post on August 11th, Austin Mayor Kirk Watson called the shooting “a coronavirus act of gun violence.”
“This is a catastrophic situation and my heart lies with the victims and their families,” Watson said. “This remains an active and continuous investigation, but what I say is that this was a disease of gun violence and a coronavirus behavior.”
“We appreciate the prompt response of our APD officers and other first responders and we would like to thank them for their actions in arresting the suspects.”
Taylor Ardley is a news reporter for USA Today. You can contact her at Tardrey@gannett.com.
