Suspect Identified in Deadly Twin Falls In-N-Out Shooting
A gunman opened fire at a newly opened In-N-Out Burger location in Twin Falls, Idaho, on Saturday, Aug. 1, killing three people, including an employee, and injuring seven others before the shooter died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
Twin Falls Police Chief Matthew Hicks identified the suspect as 24-year-old Chad Williams. According to Hicks, an off-duty Idaho state trooper and a private citizen who were at the scene returned gunfire, actions he credited with driving the shooter away and likely preventing further casualties.
"These people are true heroes in our community, and their actions diverted the shooter and no doubt saved many lives," Twin Falls County Sheriff Jack Johnson said.
Of the seven people injured, two remained in critical condition as of Sunday afternoon, according to Hicks, who cautioned that the figures were preliminary and could be updated. The injured were taken to St. Luke's Magic Valley Medical Center.
A Chaotic Scene at a Brand-New Location
The In-N-Out location, the fourth in Idaho, had opened just a week earlier, on July 24. Witnesses described a chaotic scene as customers and staff fled the restaurant, with some barricading themselves in restrooms while gunfire erupted in the parking lot. Police said hundreds of potential witnesses were expected to be interviewed as the investigation continued.
In-N-Out President Lynsi Snyder confirmed in a statement that a female employee was among those killed, though she was not identified by name. "Our hearts go out to the families and friends of those affected," Snyder said, adding that the employee had been "taking care of our most important asset, our customers," at the time of the shooting. Snyder said the company would "stand together" with the community and "do everything we can to learn from this situation."
Community and Government Response
The area surrounding the restaurant, along with the nearby Twin Falls Visitor Center, was closed off while investigators processed the scene. A nearby Chick-fil-A closed for the remainder of the day as a precaution, and the Magic Valley Mall was also temporarily closed, with people inside asked to shelter in place.
Idaho Gov. Brad Little addressed the shooting in a statement shortly after it occurred. "Idahoans, join me in keeping the Twin Falls community in your prayers as law enforcement and first responders respond to an active shooter situation near In-N-Out," Little wrote, urging residents to avoid the area.
The FBI confirmed it was assisting local law enforcement with the investigation. Twin Falls police also pushed back on misinformation circulating online in the shooting's immediate aftermath. "There is a lot of misinformation going around on social media about the shooter and their identity. We would ask that people refrain from sharing information," police said.
As of Sunday, police said they believed Williams acted alone, though the investigation into a possible motive remains ongoing.
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