Three people were killed and seven others injured, some critically, when a gunman opened fire Saturday afternoon at an In-N-Out Burger restaurant in Twin Falls, Idaho. Police found the suspected shooter dead near the restaurant, although authorities had not immediately clarified whether that person was included in the reported death toll. The attack occurred less than two weeks after the restaurant opened as part of the chain’s expansion into Idaho. Company President Lynsi Snyder said an employee was among those killed and expressed support for the victims, families, employees and customers affected.
| Article Subheadings |
|---|
| 1) The Shooting in Twin Falls |
| 2) Victims, Injuries and Emergency Response |
| 3) Investigation and Community Safety |
| 4) In-N-Out Responds to the Attack |
| 5) A New Restaurant Marked by Violence |
The Shooting in Twin Falls
The shooting began at about 2 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 1, at an In-N-Out Burger in a busy shopping plaza in Twin Falls, where hundreds of people were in the area. The restaurant was one of the chain’s newest locations and had opened on July 24. Authorities said the gunman fired both on and away from the restaurant property before dying shortly after the attack.
Witness video appeared to show a person dressed in black carrying a long rifle toward a white vehicle. The person opened the vehicle’s driver-side door and trunk before reaching inside. A witness recording from across the street left the area out of concern that additional weapons might be retrieved.
Victims, Injuries and Emergency Response
City officials reported that three people were killed and seven others were injured, with some of the injured in critical condition. The victims’ names, ages and other identifying information had not been released while authorities worked to notify relatives.
Multiple victims were transported to St. Luke’s Magic Valley Medical Center. The hospital said it was coordinating with law enforcement and emergency personnel during the response. The scale of the incident created a chaotic scene at the shopping plaza as police, medical teams and witnesses dealt with the aftermath.
Investigation and Community Safety
Twin Falls police were investigating the circumstances of the shooting, including the identity of the suspected gunman and a possible motive. Police Chief Matthew Hicks said authorities believed the threat to the community had ended, while describing the initial response as highly chaotic.
“We believe the threat to the community is over. It was a very chaotic scene.”
The FBI and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives were assisting local investigators. Officials had not announced a motive or released additional identifying details about the suspect. The reported death count remained subject to clarification because authorities had not confirmed whether the suspect’s death was included.
In-N-Out Responds to the Attack
Snyder said the company had lost one of its employees, whom the chain calls an Associate, while serving customers during the attack. She said the employee had been caring for customers when her life was taken and described the company’s response as one of grief and support.
“My heart is broken, my chest is heavy, my eyes burn from the tears I’ve shed.”
Snyder said In-N-Out would mourn with the victims’ families and support employees and customers who experienced the violence. She also urged the company community to seek comfort and strength for those affected rather than respond with anger.
A New Restaurant Marked by Violence
The Twin Falls location had been open for barely a week when the shooting occurred, making the attack an especially traumatic event for workers and customers connected to the new restaurant. In-N-Out has been expanding into Idaho, and the location represented the chain’s entry into the state.
Twin Falls, a city of approximately 56,000 people, is about 130 miles southeast of Boise. As investigators continue reviewing witness accounts and evidence, the company has said it will stand with those affected and seek to learn from the incident.
| Number | Key Point |
|---|---|
| 1 | Three people were reported killed and seven injured. |
| 2 | The suspected shooter was found dead near the restaurant. |
| 3 | The FBI and ATF joined the local investigation. |
| 4 | The restaurant opened on July 24, less than two weeks before the attack. |
Summary
The shooting at the newly opened Twin Falls restaurant left employees, customers and the wider Idaho community grieving. Authorities reported three deaths and seven injuries, while the suspected gunman was found dead and a motive remained unknown. In-N-Out said it would support the victims’ families and those affected as law enforcement continued its investigation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where did the shooting occur?
The shooting occurred at an In-N-Out Burger restaurant in a busy shopping plaza in Twin Falls, Idaho.
How many people were killed or injured?
City officials reported three people killed and seven others injured. Some of those injured were in critical condition.
Was the suspected shooter arrested?
No. Police found the suspected shooter dead near the restaurant. Authorities had not immediately clarified whether that death was included in the reported toll.
Who is investigating the shooting?
Twin Falls police were leading the investigation with assistance from the FBI and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.