Twin Falls In-N-Out shooting leaves three dead and seven injured

Three people were killed and seven others injured, some critically, following a shooting at an In-N-Out Burger restaurant in Twin Falls, southern Idaho, on Saturday afternoon, according to a city spokesman. Responding officers found the body of the suspected gunman near the restaurant, though officials stated they did not yet know if the suspect was included in the overall fatality count.

The incident unfolded around 2 p.m. On Saturday in a busy shopping district where hundreds of people were gathered. According to police reports and media accounts, authorities responded to reports of shots fired in an area encompassing major retailers and a movie theater. The restaurant itself had opened just about a week earlier, on July 24, as part of the company's recent expansion to Idaho.

Media additions

Twin Falls Police Chief Matthew Hicks described the episode during a news conference as a very chaotic scene. Hicks confirmed that authorities believe the threat to the community is over, while noting that officers are still working to determine the gunman's identity and motive. City public information officer Josh Palmer stated that investigators were interviewing hundreds of witnesses who were in the area during the attack.

Eyewitness accounts provided harrowing details of the chaos. Lane Koehn stated that he was stopped at a traffic light near the restaurant when he saw a person emerge from the drive-thru carrying an AR-style rifle. According to Koehn, another man carrying a pistol began firing at the shooter. Koehn then saw an In-N-Out employee dragging a bleeding colleague in uniform across the car park. The witness, the armed citizen, and the employee stayed with the wounded worker until paramedics arrived. Footage filmed by a motorist from across the street captured an individual dressed in black approaching a white vehicle with a long rifle, opening the driver's side door, and reaching into the boot.

Other patrons inside the restaurant described scrambling for safety as shots rang out in the kitchen. Haley Dodaro and her mother, who were waiting in the drive-thru line, noticed workers bolting from the building and people running across the road before a traffic controller confirmed the active shooter situation. Nayeli Rodriguez reported hearing gunfire while inside with her daughters and noted that an older man attempted to shield them before they fled.

Local authorities and medical facilities mobilized rapidly in response to the emergency. Idaho Governor Brad Little urged residents via social media to keep the community in their prayers and to avoid the affected area. Police closed local roads, a nearby bridge, and placed the nearby Magic Valley Mall on lockdown while emergency responders secured the scene. Victims were transported to St. Luke's Magic Valley Medical Center. Hospital spokesperson Taylor Marschner stated that the facility was working closely with law enforcement and emergency responders.

What to watch next

• Police and city officials are expected to release the names and ages of the victims once family notifications are complete.
• Investigators anticipate providing further updates on the gunman's identity and suspected motives in the coming days.
• Medical updates are pending regarding the condition of the injured victims, some of whom remain in critical care.