BOISE, Idaho — A tragic incident occurred at an In-N-Out Burger in southern Idaho, where a shooting left three people dead and seven others injured, including some in critical condition. This took place on Saturday afternoon, as confirmed by a Twin Falls city spokesperson.
Authorities discovered the body of the suspected gunman near the restaurant location. Twin Falls city public information officer, Josh Palmer, mentioned they have yet to confirm if this individual is counted among the deceased.
Efforts remain underway to notify family members of the victims, so officials have yet to release names or ages of those involved. Some individuals injured are reported to be in critical condition.
Twin Falls Police Chief Matthew Hicks emphasized that the threat to community safety was believed resolved. However, the scene was chaotic as investigators continued interviewing witnesses to gather more details.
The restaurant is in a bustling shopping area, which was filled with people during the incident that took place around 2 p.m. Lane Koehn, a witness, observed a person with an AR-style rifle emerge from the drive-thru. A man armed with a pistol fired at the shooter.
Amidst the turmoil, a person in an In-N-Out uniform was pulled across the parking lot while bleeding from a gunshot wound. Koehn, alongside the armed man and another employee, stayed by her side until paramedics arrived. The condition of this employee remains uncertain.
During evacuation, Koehn noticed the shooter fired three to four rounds, uncertain of targeted individuals. Video footage captured a person dressed in black approaching a white car, carrying a rifle, and reaching inside the trunk before fleeing.
Inside the restaurant, Haley Dodaro feared for her safety with her mother as they saw patrons run, initially suspecting a fire until informed about the shooter.
Nayeli Rodriguez recounted being inside with her daughters when shots were heard from the kitchen. An employee instructed them to take cover. Rodriquez, aided by another patron guiding her daughters, found refuge in a stranger’s car, leaving her vehicle behind.
The restaurant opened a week prior as part of expansion efforts by In-N-Out. Emergency responders transported victims to St. Luke’s Magic Valley Medical Center. A hospital representative stated they cooperated closely with law enforcement.
Twin Falls, home to around 56,000 residents, is positioned roughly 130 miles southeast of Boise and 75 miles north of the Nevada border.