In Boise, Idaho, a tragic event unfolded at an In-N-Out Burger restaurant, resulting in the death of three individuals and injuring seven others. Josh Palmer, the city spokesperson for Twin Falls, reported the incident, which occurred on a Saturday afternoon.
The police found the suspected shooter deceased near the restaurant’s location. However, it remains unclear if the suspect is included in the death toll mentioned. Notifications to the victims’ families are ongoing, so details regarding the victims’ identities and conditions have not yet been disclosed. Some injured are reportedly in critical condition.
Matthew Hicks, Twin Falls’ Police Chief, addressed the public during a press conference. He stated that the risk to the community had likely ended but described the scene as chaotic. The investigation continues with authorities interviewing witnesses to gather more information.
The shooting occurred in a bustling commercial area, around 2 p.m. Witness Lane Koehn described his experience while waiting at a traffic light near the restaurant. He observed an individual with a rifle exiting the drive-thru and another person firing back. Koehn also witnessed an In-N-Out employee assisting a wounded colleague until paramedics arrived.
Additionally, Koehn noted the police instructed him to evacuate the area, emphasizing the uncertainty surrounding the situation. The shooter fired at least three or four shots, yet it is unknown if there were specific targets. A video captured across the street showed a figure dressed in black, approaching a white car with a long rifle, seemingly opening the driver’s side and trunk.
Other accounts include one from Haley Dodaro, a local resident who was in the drive-thru line with her mother. They saw people fleeing and workers evacuating, learning about the shooter through a traffic coordinator. Likewise, Nayeli Rodriguez was inside with her daughters when gunfire erupted. Guided by an employee, they sought safety, with a stranger providing refuge in their car.
This restaurant location had opened only a week prior, on July 24, marking In-N-Out’s expansion into Idaho. Following the incident, several injured individuals were taken to St. Luke’s Magic Valley Medical Center. Hospital spokesperson Taylor Marschner confirmed cooperation with law enforcement.
Twin Falls, home to approximately 56,000 residents, is located 205 kilometers southeast of Boise and 120 kilometers north of the Nevada border.
Reporting contributions to this article came from Bellisle in Seattle and Raza in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.