An In-N-Out Burger restaurant in southern Idaho became the scene of a tragic shooting incident that resulted in the deaths of three people, including an employee, according to the owner of the fast-food chain. The shooting at the newly opened restaurant in Twin Falls also left seven others injured, with some in critical condition.
In-N-Out owner Lynsi Snyder released a heartfelt statement expressing her sorrow and extending condolences to the affected families. ‘My heart is broken, my chest is heavy, my eyes burn from the tears I’ve shed,’ she shared on social media, emphasizing the company’s support for the grieving families during this difficult time.
The FBI has urged the public to submit any images and videos related to the shooting, which took place around 2 p.m. in a busy shopping plaza. Despite the chaos, law enforcement officials believe there is no further threat to the community.
We believe the threat to the community is over,
Twin Falls Police Chief Matthew Hicks stated during a press conference. He acknowledged the scene was ‘very chaotic.’
Authorities are in the process of contacting victims’ families. Due to this, they have not released the identities of those involved. Meanwhile, police discovered the body of the suspected gunman near the restaurant but have not confirmed if it is among the official fatality count.
Witnesses provided harrowing accounts of the incident. Lane Koehn, a bystander, recounted seeing a person with an AR-style rifle emerge at the drive-thru. A man with a pistol intervened by returning fire. Koehn also described how an In-N-Out employee helped another injured colleague to safety.
Another witness, Haley Dodaro, was waiting in the drive-thru line with her mother when she noticed people fleeing the scene. Initially believing there might be a fire, they realized the gravity of the situation after being informed about the shooter. Dodaro recounted the panic and fear as people ran out of the restaurant crying.
Inside the restaurant, Nayeli Rodriguez and her daughters took shelter after hearing shots from the kitchen. An employee instructed everyone to get down for safety. Rodriguez praised an older man for protecting her family and expressed gratitude to strangers who offered them refuge in their vehicle.
Police have continued their investigation, interviewing witnesses and examining evidence, as they work to understand the motive and identity of the suspect. This incident has left the community in Twin Falls, a city with a population of about 56,000, in shock and mourning.
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