Three people were killed and at least five others were injured after a gunman opened fire at a busy In-N-Out Burger in Twin Falls, Idaho, authorities confirmed Sunday as investigators continued working to determine what prompted the attack. Police said the suspect died at the scene from a self-inflicted gunshot wound after the shooting, which unfolded Saturday afternoon at the recently opened restaurant in a crowded commercial district.
At a news conference Saturday evening, Twin Falls Police Chief Matthew Hicks said a motive for the shooting remains under investigation, noting that the suspected shooter is also dead and police believe there is no longer any threat to the community. Hicks described the scene as chaotic, with officers responding to reports of gunfire shortly after 2:30 p.m. Witness videos circulating online appeared to show the gunman carrying a rifle before firing near the restaurant and parking lot, sending customers and employees scrambling for safety. Authorities said two of the injured have since been released from the hospital, while several others remain hospitalized in stable or critical condition. Police credited the actions of an off-duty Idaho State Police trooper and an armed civilian with helping bring the violence to an end and potentially preventing additional casualties. The FBI and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives are assisting in the investigation.
Investigators believe the 24-year-old suspect acted alone, though they have not announced a possible motive. Hundreds of witnesses are expected to be interviewed, and the FBI has asked anyone with photos or video from the scene to come forward. Authorities have not publicly identified the victims as notifications to their families continue.
The Twin Falls location had opened only days earlier as part of In-N-Out Burger’s continued expansion into Idaho. Company owner Lynsi Snyder confirmed that one of the victims was an employee and expressed condolences to those affected, while company leaders pledged full cooperation with law enforcement. Idaho Gov. Brad Little also offered sympathy to the victims, their families and first responders as the community mourns one of the state’s deadliest recent mass shootings.
The FBI is asking for anyone with audio, still images or video footage of the incident to submit them at the link HERE.
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