Shoppers were sent scrambling Monday afternoon in Austin when a man opened fire outside a busy Target store in a deadly and chaotic episode that left three people dead, including a child.

According to Hindustan Times, Ethan Nieneker, a 35-year-old with a documented history of mental illness and multiple arrests, fatally shot three individuals in a random attack near a Target store before fleeing the scene in a stolen car and ultimately being apprehended naked and carrying a Bible.

The violence erupted around 2 p.m. local time outside the Target on Research Boulevard, as families and workers filled the parking lot during peak back-to-school shopping hours. Police say Nieneker began firing at random, targeting innocent people without warning or known motive.

Family Slain During Chaotic Daylight Attack

The victims included a Target employee who was collecting carts in the lot and a grandfather and his 4-year-old granddaughter. Authorities report that Nieneker shot the man and the child before stealing their vehicle and fleeing the scene.

Police Chief Lisa Davis described the shootings as a deliberate act of violence during a news briefing. “Innocent lives were taken in broad daylight in a place where people should feel safe to run their everyday errands and to live their everyday lives,” Davis said.

After driving roughly 1.5 miles from the store, Nieneker crashed the stolen vehicle. He then forcibly took another car from a dealership nearby and drove toward South Austin, according to authorities tracking his route.

Suspect Found Naked With Bible Near Crime Scene

Police later located Nieneker approximately 20 miles away from where the shooting occurred. When officers found him, he was unclothed, having discarded his clothes inside a portable toilet before his discovery.

Nieneker was holding a Bible and made bizarre statements to responding officers, including a claim that he was Jesus. Authorities said he resisted commands and had to be subdued with a Taser before being taken into custody.

He is being held on multiple capital murder charges. As of Tuesday, records from the county jail did not list an attorney representing him. Nieneker remains in custody as the investigation continues.

Suspect Had a Long Criminal and Mental Health History

Officials say Nieneker has had previous encounters with law enforcement in multiple counties. In Travis County, he had been arrested on charges ranging from driving while intoxicated to domestic violence and criminal mischief.

One past conviction included a 2016 assault causing bodily injury in a family violence case. Another felony assault charge filed in 2019 was dismissed in 2022 when the prosecution failed to locate the victim involved.

His criminal record in neighboring Williamson County includes a marijuana possession conviction in 2012 and dismissed misdemeanor family violence cases in 2015. He also pleaded no contest to a criminal mischief charge in 2016.

Community Shaken by Sudden Outburst of Violence

As news of the incident spread, the community expressed grief and disbelief over the senseless nature of the crime. Chief Davis emphasized that the attack was without provocation and posed a threat in an ordinary setting where residents should feel safe.

Police continue to investigate Nieneker’s background, including his mental health history, though specific medical details have not been released to the public. Officials are also working to determine whether any additional threats are present or if others were involved.

On Tuesday, social media posts circulated what appeared to be a Facebook profile linked to Nieneker. However, those accounts have not been officially verified, and authorities have not confirmed any connection between online activity and the crime.

No Clear Motive Revealed in Case So Far

Investigators have yet to establish a clear motive behind the shootings. With victims chosen at random and no evident connection to Nieneker, police are continuing to gather evidence, review surveillance footage, and interview witnesses.

Authorities say the timing of the attack during a busy shopping afternoon increased the risk of casualties and trauma for those present. The incident has renewed conversations around public safety and mental health resources in the city.

“What happened yesterday was an unprovoked and deliberate attack,” Chief Davis said, reiterating the intentional nature of the violence. She said her department would remain focused on seeking answers and justice for those affected.