A shooting occurred inside and around the In-N-Out fast food restaurant in Twin Falls, Idaho, USA, resulting in at least three deaths and several injuries. The suspect has died. Police confirmed the situation is under control and are investigating the suspect’s identity and motive.
A gunman opened fire at the popular In-N-Out Burger fast food restaurant on Blue Lakes Boulevard North in Twin Falls, southern Idaho, on Saturday afternoon (1 Aug) local time, causing multiple deaths and injuries.
Matthew Hicks, Police Chief of Twin Falls, said the situation at the scene was chaotic. He confirmed at least three fatalities and at least two injuries. The shooter died at the scene. Police believe the threat to the community has ended but are still investigating the shooter’s identity and the motive behind the attack.
Video footage from witnesses showed the suspect, dressed in black, carrying a long gun, approaching a white car, opening the driver’s door and rear hatch, then bending down to pick up an object. This alarmed bystanders who quickly drove away fearing the suspect might be arming himself further.
Lane Kuhn, 34, a witness, said he was stopped at a red light near the restaurant when he saw a man carrying an AR-style rifle emerge from the drive-thru area. A good Samaritan with a handgun immediately fired back at the shooter.
He also witnessed a distressing scene where In-N-Out employees tried to drag a female coworker, dressed in the same uniform and bleeding from a gunshot wound to the chest, across the parking lot to safety. He, the employee, and the armed man helped care for her until paramedics arrived.
Hailey Dodaro, a Twin Falls resident waiting in the drive-thru line with her mother, said she initially thought there was a fire as employees and customers fled the restaurant in panic. Then officers in reflective vests directed traffic and announced a shooting had occurred. People screamed, cried, and ran for their lives, creating a terrifying scene.
Because the incident happened near a shopping center, large retail stores, and a movie theater with hundreds of people present, authorities ordered nearby residents to shelter in place temporarily. The order was later lifted once the area was deemed safe.
Meanwhile, Magic Valley Mall and nearby Chick-fil-A restaurant announced they would close temporarily all day for the safety of customers and staff.
This In-N-Out branch is the fourth to open in Idaho and had its official opening ceremony on 24 July, only about one week before the tragic shooting occurred.
Denny Warnick, In-N-Out’s Chief Operating Officer, issued a statement expressing deep condolences over the incident, saying, “Our hearts are broken. We send our thoughts and prayers to the customers, employees, and families affected. The company is working closely with Twin Falls police to support the ongoing investigation.”
/sourceAssociated Press/NBC News