A horrific mass shooting shattered a quiet Saturday afternoon in Twin Falls, Idaho, leaving a community reeling and a newly opened restaurant turned into a crime scene. The gunman behind the attack at the local In-N-Out Burger died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound, according to local law enforcement.
Authorities identified the shooter as 24-year-old Chad Williams. Twin Falls Police Chief Matthew Hicks confirmed during a press briefing that investigators are confident Williams acted alone, though a clear motive remains under investigation.
The attack left three victims dead alongside the suspect, while seven others sustained injuries of varying severity.
How the Incident Unfolded in Twin Falls
The violence erupted at approximately 2:29 p.m. on Saturday at the fast-food establishment, which had opened its doors just a week prior as part of the brand's expansion into Idaho. Witnesses reported chaos as the gunman, armed with an AR-style rifle, opened fire near the drive-thru area.
Quick action from bystanders and off-duty law enforcement prevented an even higher death toll. An off-duty Idaho State Police trooper and an armed civilian both returned fire at the suspect. Police credit these interventions with diverting the gunman away from the restaurant interior and cutting the assault short.
Responding officers later located Williams' body nearby, confirming he died by suicide.
Casualties and Medical Response
Emergency responders rushed to the scene, transporting multiple wounded individuals to local hospitals. Authorities reported that out of the seven injured:
- Two were treated and released shortly after arrival.
- Three remained in stable condition.
- Two others suffered critical injuries.
In-N-Out owner Lynsi Snyder released an emotional statement addressing the tragedy, confirming that one of the individuals killed was a company employee. The corporate organization expressed deep grief, noting they are cooperating fully with authorities and supporting affected families.
Ongoing Investigation and Public Appeal
Investigators are processing hours of digital evidence, conducting witness interviews, and piecing together Williams' timeline. The FBI has stepped in to assist local police, setting up digital portals to collect crowd-sourced photos and videos from anyone present during the shooting.
Police have also urged the public to disregard unverified social media rumors. Chief Hicks specifically warned that online accounts falsely accused an unrelated individual, stressing that this person had no connection to the crime.
Local authorities continue to withhold the names of the victims pending complete family notifications, while the Williams family cooperates with the ongoing probe. Anyone with digital media or direct knowledge of the events is asked to contact the Twin Falls Police Department immediately.
