Deadly Texas mall shooting confirmed to have been carried out by violent criminal Ethan Blaine Nieneker
In a tragic incident that unfolded on Monday, August 11, 2025, Ethan Blaine Nieneker, a 32-year-old man with a documented history of mental illness and prior criminal offenses, has been identified as the gunman who opened fire outside a Target store in Austin, Texas.
The shooting took place on Research Boulevard in Austin, leaving three people dead, including a toddler, and another victim suffering unrelated injuries. Two people died at the scene, while a third succumbed to their injuries en route to a local hospital.
Nieneker allegedly opened fire in the parking lot of the Target store, sending shoppers and employees scrambling for safety. One mechanic, Paul Smith, recounted seeing people running from their cars in the parking lot in a panic. Employees at the nearby Jiffy Lube hunkered down and locked the store's doors when they became aware of the shooting outside.
Following the shooting, Nieneker fled the scene in a stolen vehicle, which he then crashed. He was later apprehended by police in South Austin with a taser. The authorities have charged him with multiple offenses, including capital murder by terror threat, capital murder of a person under 10 years of age, and first-degree murder.
Nieneker has a history of mental illness and a prior criminal history. Since 2011, he has been arrested numerous times, including for assaulting a family member, driving while intoxicated twice, criminal mischief, and violating a bond or protective order.
Authorities and media reports describe him as having a history of violence and mental health issues. The exact motive behind the shooting remains unclear.
Austin Mayor Kirk Watson has been informed of the shooting and is being kept abreast of developments. He expressed his condolences for the victims and their families, and praised the quick response of APD officers and other first responders.
A spokesperson for Target has announced that they will be providing counseling to staff members who experienced the shooting. They are also working with law enforcement and will continue to provide support resources, including grief counseling, to their team.
This is a breaking news story and will be updated as more information becomes available.
Read also:
- Court petitions to reverse established decision on same-sex marriage legalization
- Trump's enforcement actions in Washington D.C.: Insights from the political arena
- Chinese Ambassador issues stern message to India regarding Trump's tariffs in midst of escalating trade feuds
- Aircraft collides with another one on the runway during landing at Montana airport, igniting flames
