Three people were killed and two others injured Saturday afternoon in a shooting at an In-N-Out Burger restaurant in Twin Falls, Idaho, one of the state’s busiest commercial areas. The shooter is also deceased, authorities confirmed.
The incident erupted shortly after 2:30 p.m. at the newly opened In-N-Out location on Blue Lakes Boulevard North in a shopping district filled with hotels, major retailers, and other businesses that serve both residents and travelers. The shooting began inside the fast-food restaurant before spreading to the surrounding commercial area.
Witness video obtained by news outlets showed intense scenes from the chaos. Footage captured a man armed with what appeared to be an assault-style rifle firing multiple shots into a parked Tesla and at the restaurant building as crowds fled in panic. Multiple gunshots were heard as people scattered from the shopping center parking lot. Another video showed workers and patrons rushing out of the In-N-Out as the shooting unfolded.
Twin Falls Police Chief Matthew Hicks confirmed at a press conference that the shooter is dead, though he did not immediately provide specifics on how or when the gunman was neutralized. Officials did not confirm whether the shooter was among the three killed or had been apprehended and later died.
Twin Falls is located approximately 130 miles southeast of Boise and serves as a regional hub for much of southern Idaho. The In-N-Out location at which the shooting occurred had only recently opened, having launched on July 24 as the fourth In-N-Out location in Idaho.
Emergency response was swift and widespread. Officers from Twin Falls, Buhl, Jerome Police Department, and Idaho State Police responded to the scene, along with fire and paramedic crews. The FBI said it was aware of the situation and offered assistance to local law enforcement.
Authorities immediately shut down roads in the area and the Perrine Bridge, the primary crossing over the Snake River Canyon for miles and a popular tourist attraction. The Magic Valley Mall near the shooting was placed on lockdown, with people inside told to remain in place. A nearby Chick-fil-A restaurant closed out of caution. Hundreds of witnesses were transported to the Twin Falls County Courthouse for interviews.
Twin Falls city spokesperson Josh Palmer said he expected the number of injured to increase as the investigation continued. He could not immediately confirm additional details about the victims or provide specific information about the shooter’s identity or motive. Officials were still in the process of notifying next of kin at the time of the initial police statements.
Governor Brad Little released a statement asking Idahoans to pray for the Twin Falls community as law enforcement and first responders responded to the crisis. Several state officials also expressed concern for those affected and praised the rapid response by emergency personnel.
The shooting was the latest in a growing series of mass shootings across the country during the summer, adding to what authorities describe as an alarming pattern of violence at ordinary public gathering places including food festivals, parades, places of worship, and community spaces.
Twin Falls Police advised residents and visitors to stay away from the area as the investigation continued and roads remained closed. Additional details were expected to be released as the investigation progressed.