A tragic shooting occurred at an In-N-Out Burger restaurant in southern Idaho on Saturday afternoon, resulting in multiple fatalities and injuries. According to Twin Falls Police Chief Matthew Hicks, the shooter was among those who died. Investigations are ongoing to determine the shooter’s identity and motive.
Chief Hicks stated, “We believe the threat to the community is over,” but noted the exact number of casualties and injuries is still being confirmed as officials notify next of kin. The scene was described as chaotic.
Before a news conference was held, Twin Falls County Commissioner Brent Reinke mentioned that Sheriff Jack Johnson informed him of five injuries. Witness Lane Koehn, 34, observed a person armed with an AR-style rifle emerging from the drive-thru. Another individual with a pistol engaged the shooter. Koehn saw someone in an In-N-Out uniform, bleeding from a chest wound, being dragged by a fellow employee.
Koehn recounted, “She was pretty bad off, but I don’t know. I hope she made it.”
Authorities instructed Koehn and others to evacuate due to the ongoing threat. The shooter fired at least three or four rounds, but no specific targets have been identified. The incident happened near a busy shopping area, with many people present, said Hicks. Police are interviewing witnesses and encourage anyone with information to contact them.
Commissioner Reinke, who formerly served as the prison chief for the Idaho Department of Corrections, received news of the shooting just before 4 p.m. Various agencies responded to the situation. Law enforcement advised avoiding the area as roads were closed for safety.
St. Luke’s Magic Valley’s spokesperson, Taylor Marschner, stated that the medical center is “working closely with law enforcement and emergency responders as they manage the situation.” Twin Falls, with a population of about 56,000, is located approximately 130 miles southeast of Boise, and 75 miles north of the Nevada border.
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