Police identify Austin Target shooter

News | By Easton Martin | August 12, 2025

Police in North Austin, Texas, have confirmed the identity of the suspect in a deadly Target parking lot shooting that left two adults and one child dead. The announcement came hours after the attack during the busy back-to-school shopping period, following witness interviews, review of security footage, and rapid investigative work that led authorities to name 32-year-old Ethan Nieneker as the gunman.

Nieneker, who has a documented history of mental health issues and a substantial criminal record spanning family-violence incidents, assault, DWI, criminal mischief, and more. Following the shooting, Nieneker initiated a chaotic escape: he stole a vehicle from the scene, crashed it shortly thereafter, then hijacked another car from a nearby dealership, only to be apprehended by police in South Austin after being subdued with a Taser.

He now faces multiple grave charges, including capital murder by terror threat, capital murder of a person under 10 years old, and first-degree murder.

The motive behind the attack remains undisclosed, and authorities have indicated that the investigation is ongoing. Community leaders and Target have expressed profound sorrow over the tragedy.