A quiet Monday afternoon turned deadly when a gunman opened fire in a Target parking lot in Austin, Texas. Police say three people were killed, and one person was injured. The attack happened shortly after 2 p.m., sending shoppers running for safety.

The suspect, a 32-year-old man with prior criminal history and known mental health issues, fled in a stolen car before crashing it. He then hijacked another vehicle from a nearby dealership and led police on an 18-mile chase. Officers eventually tased and arrested him. His motive remains unclear.

Witnesses described chaos and fear. “I had just left Target a minute before,” mechanic Paul Smith said, recalling people running in panic. Target issued a statement calling the tragedy “devastating” and offering support to affected families and employees.

Austin’s mayor called the shooting a “sickening, cowardly act.” Community groups are urging lawmakers to take action on gun safety. As one advocate put it: “A trip to Target shouldn’t end in violence and devastation.”