BOISE, Idaho — A tragic shooting at an In-N-Out Burger restaurant in southern Idaho has resulted in the deaths of three individuals, with seven others injured, including some critically. The incident occurred on Saturday afternoon, as confirmed by a spokesperson from Twin Falls city.
Authorities arrived at the scene and discovered the body of the suspected gunman near the restaurant. Twin Falls city public information officer, Josh Palmer, mentioned uncertainty regarding the inclusion of the suspect in the fatality count. Details about the victims, including names and ages, are pending as officials are in the process of notifying family members.
The condition of several injured individuals remains critical, added Palmer. Twin Falls Police Chief, Matthew Hicks, stated that the shooter’s identity and motive are under investigation. He assured the community that the threat has been neutralized, describing the scene as “very chaotic.” Authorities continue to interview witnesses present during the shooting.
The restaurant is located in a busy shopping plaza frequented by hundreds of people, including at the time of the incident, around 2 p.m. A local resident, Lane Koehn, recounted observing a person with an AR-style rifle emerging from the drive-thru. During the ensuing confrontation, a man wielding a pistol intervened, aiming at the shooter.
Koehn also witnessed an In-N-Out employee assisting a wounded colleague suffering from a chest gunshot wound. Koehn remained to aid the employee until paramedics arrived, expressing hope for her recovery.
Police advised Koehn to evacuate due to ongoing threats, with unclear indications of any targets. A passerby recorded footage of an individual dressed in black approaching a white vehicle, retrieving items from the trunk, and potentially preparing for further harm.
Twin Falls residents, including Haley Dodaro and Nayeli Rodriguez, were present during the shooting. Dodaro and her mother, who were waiting in the drive-thru line, initially suspected a fire before learning of the active shooter. Rodriguez was inside with her daughters when shots rang out, prompting them to seek cover. They were eventually assisted by strangers offering refuge in their vehicle.
The In-N-Out location had only been operational for a week following the company’s recent expansion into Idaho. Several victims were transported to St. Luke’s Magic Valley Medical Center, collaborating with law enforcement for crisis management, according to hospital spokesperson Taylor Marschner.
Twin Falls has a population of approximately 56,000 and is situated about 130 miles southeast of Boise and 75 miles north of the Nevada state line.
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