Three Killed, Seven Injured in Mass Shooting at Idaho In-N-Out Restaurant
Three people were killed and seven others were injured after a gunman opened fire outside an In-N-Out Burger restaurant in Twin Falls, Idaho, on Saturday afternoon before fatally shooting himself, authorities said.
Twin Falls Police Chief Matthew Hicks identified the shooter on Sunday as 24-year-old Chad Williams, who died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound after the attack. Investigators are continuing to examine what motivated the shooting, and Hicks said Williams’ family is cooperating fully with law enforcement.
“Their hearts are also broken,” Hicks said during a press briefing.
The violence erupted shortly before 2:30 p.m. local time at the popular fast-food restaurant, sending customers and employees scrambling for safety. Videos circulating on social media captured the terrifying moments as multiple gunshots rang out across the shopping center parking lot while frightened patrons fled the area. Footage also appeared to show the suspect carrying what looked like a firearm near a parked sedan outside the restaurant.
Police described the incident as one of the most chaotic emergency scenes officers can encounter. According to Chief Hicks, an off-duty police officer and an armed civilian confronted the suspect and returned fire during the attack.
“We believe their actions drove the suspect from the scene, preventing further casualties,” Hicks said, crediting their intervention with helping to limit the loss of life.
Authorities said seven people suffered gunshot wounds during the attack. Two victims were treated and released from St. Luke’s Magic Valley Medical Center, while two others remain in critical condition. Three additional victims are reported to be in stable condition. Officials cautioned that the casualty figures remain preliminary as the investigation continues.
Among those killed was a female In-N-Out employee, according to company President Lynsi Snyder. While the employee’s identity has not been released, Snyder said she was serving customers when the shooting began.
“She was taking care of our most important asset — our customers,”Snyder said in a statement, adding that her heart goes out to the victims, their families, employees, first responders, and everyone who witnessed the traumatic event.
“We will stand together, and we will do everything we can to learn from this situation,” Snyder wrote.
Witnesses described scenes of panic and confusion as the gunfire erupted. Twin Falls resident Haley Dodaro, 43, said she and her mother were waiting in the drive-thru line when they noticed people running from the restaurant.
“At first, I thought there was a fire,” Dodaro told the Associated Press. “Then a man directing traffic told us there was a shooter. People were running out crying and screaming. It was very scary.”
The FBI confirmed that its agents responded to the scene and are assisting local authorities with the ongoing investigation.
Police have not yet announced a possible motive for the shooting, and investigators continue to examine evidence and interview witnesses.
Twin Falls is located in southern Idaho, approximately 120 miles southeast of Boise. Authorities are expected to release additional information as the investigation progresses.