A peaceful Saturday afternoon in southern Idaho shattered when gunfire erupted at a newly opened fast-food restaurant. Three people died and seven others sustained injuries during the active shooter incident at the Twin Falls In-N-Out Burger.
Police later identified the gunman as 24-year-old Chad Williams. Authorities confirmed that Williams died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound near the scene. Investigators stated they are confident he acted alone, bringing a measure of closure to an active threat that terrorized the local community.
The Sequence of Events in Twin Falls
The violence unfolded around 2:30 p.m. at the restaurant location on Canyon Rim. The establishment had opened its doors just a week prior on July 24, drawing massive crowds as part of the company's expansion into Idaho.
Witnesses described chaotic scenes as patrons and workers fled the building or took cover. According to Twin Falls Police Chief Matthew Hicks, an off-duty state trooper and an armed citizen intervened during the attack. Both returned fire, forcing the gunman to retreat from the restaurant premises. Law enforcement officials credited this quick response with preventing further loss of life.
Responding officers located Williams' body nearby shortly after the incident. Medical personnel transported the injured victims to local facilities, including St. Luke's Magic Valley Medical Center. Officials reported that two of the injured individuals were treated and released, three remained in stable condition, and two were listed in critical condition.
Victims and Corporate Response
Among the three fatalities was an employee of the restaurant. Lynsi Snyder, the owner of In-N-Out Burger, released an emotional statement addressing the tragedy.
"My heart is broken, my chest is heavy, my eyes burn from the tears I have shed," Snyder wrote on social media. "We lost one of our beautiful associates tonight." Another victim was identified by local sources as a taxi driver, while other names and specific ages were withheld initially as police worked to notify extended family members.
Ongoing Investigation and Misinformation
The Federal Bureau of Investigation joined local police departments to piece together a motive. Authorities urged the public to submit digital media, including photographs and videos from the scene, to assist with the ongoing probe.
Chief Hicks also addressed false reports circulating on social media platforms. Early rumors incorrectly pointed to other individuals as accomplices or alternative suspects. Police explicitly clarified that those online rumors were entirely baseless and that Williams acted completely on his own. Detectives continue to review evidence and interview cooperating family members to understand what drove the suspect to carry out the attack.
If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. In the United States, you can call or text 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
