Residents of Twin Falls, Idaho, continue to mourn after a tragic shooting at one of the city’s newest In-N-Out Burger restaurants claimed multiple lives and left several others injured. What began as a busy Saturday afternoon quickly turned into a large-scale emergency, drawing an immediate response from law enforcement, firefighters, emergency medical teams, and neighboring agencies. As investigators continue gathering evidence, officials say their priority remains supporting victims and their families while working to determine exactly what led to the attack.
Authorities said the shooting occurred on August 1, 2026, only days after the restaurant opened to the public. Investigators identified the suspected gunman as 24-year-old Chad Williams, who they say opened fire before later dying from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Police have stated that the evidence collected so far indicates he acted alone. Detectives continue reviewing surveillance footage, interviewing witnesses, and examining digital evidence as they work to establish a clearer understanding of the events leading up to the tragedy. Officials have not announced a confirmed motive.
The incident unfolded shortly before 2:30 p.m. near Blue Lakes Boulevard and Fillmore Street, a busy commercial area where large crowds had gathered throughout the afternoon. The recently opened restaurant had attracted many customers eager to visit the new location, with vehicles lined up in the drive-thru and families dining inside. Witnesses described how the atmosphere changed almost instantly as gunfire erupted, forcing customers, employees, and nearby shoppers to run for safety. Emergency dispatch centers quickly received numerous calls reporting the shooting, allowing first responders to arrive within minutes.
Police later confirmed that three people were killed and seven others were injured during the attack. Officers immediately secured the area while paramedics began treating victims and transporting the injured to nearby hospitals. Investigators later confirmed there was no ongoing threat to the public after the suspect was found deceased. Even after the immediate danger ended, detectives remained at the scene for many hours documenting evidence and interviewing witnesses to better understand every stage of the incident.
Many people who survived the shooting later shared emotional accounts of the terrifying moments they experienced. Some initially believed they were hearing construction noises or another nearby disturbance before realizing the sounds were gunfire. Others described strangers helping one another reach safer locations, opening vehicle doors for people trying to escape, and comforting frightened children while waiting for emergency crews to arrive. Those accounts highlighted how quickly ordinary people responded to help others during an extremely dangerous situation.
Among those injured was Terry Dudley, who was reportedly sitting inside his vehicle while charging it nearby when he was struck by gunfire. Family members later shared updates on his condition, explaining that he underwent emergency treatment and remained hospitalized while continuing his recovery. They described him as a devoted father and hardworking member of the community who has always placed others before himself. Friends and supporters also organized fundraising efforts to assist with medical expenses and help reduce the financial burden created by his injuries.
Another seriously injured victim was Austin “A.J.” Scott, who, according to statements from his family, moved toward the danger after hearing gunfire in an effort to help protect others. His relatives later explained that he faced multiple surgeries followed by a lengthy rehabilitation process. They expressed gratitude to emergency responders, hospital staff, and everyone who offered encouragement while asking for continued prayers and support as he focused on recovering from his injuries.
Investigators have also publicly recognized the actions of two individuals who confronted the shooter during the incident. One of them, Jordan Salinas, later identified himself after authorities credited him with helping redirect the suspect away from the crowded restaurant. Salinas, a healthcare worker from Kimberly, Idaho, said he had just arrived for lunch when he realized people were running from gunfire. Carrying a legally owned firearm, he responded after recognizing the seriousness of the situation. According to investigators, his actions, together with those of an off-duty Idaho state trooper, helped move the shooter away from the area where many customers had gathered.
Twin Falls County Sheriff Jack Johnson praised both men for their actions, stating that their intervention likely prevented additional casualties. Officials said their response changed the direction of the attack and created valuable time for customers and employees to escape while law enforcement officers continued arriving at the scene. Authorities have repeatedly emphasized that the investigation remains ongoing while acknowledging the courage shown by those who acted under extremely dangerous circumstances.
After the shooting, Salinas shared a public statement thanking everyone who had contacted him with messages of support. He explained that his thoughts remained with the victims, survivors, and grieving families, adding that he hoped to speak more about the experience when the appropriate time came. Authorities have not publicly identified the off-duty state trooper who also returned fire, choosing instead to protect that individual’s identity while the investigation continues.
Additional witness accounts have helped investigators better understand the events that unfolded. Construction worker Lane Koehn, who was nearby during the attack, later described seeing restaurant employees and bystanders working together to help an injured worker before emergency medical personnel arrived. He also recalled that a retired emergency medical technician who happened to be nearby immediately began assisting the victim until paramedics reached the scene. Those actions reflected the determination of many people to help others despite the dangerous circumstances.
The tragedy also deeply affected In-N-Out Burger and its employees. Company president Lynsi Snyder confirmed that one employee was among those killed and expressed sympathy for every family affected by the shooting. She described the loss as heartbreaking and said the company remained focused on supporting employees, relatives, and everyone impacted by the tragedy. Community members have since organized memorials, prayer gatherings, and fundraising efforts to honor those who lost their lives while supporting survivors during their recovery.
As investigators continue searching for answers, officials have confirmed that the suspect’s family is cooperating with detectives. Police have encouraged the public to avoid speculation until all available evidence has been carefully reviewed and the investigation is complete. Local authorities have also reassured residents that law enforcement services remain fully available, with assistance from neighboring agencies as needed. While many questions remain unanswered, the community continues focusing on supporting victims, remembering those who lost their lives, and helping survivors and their families begin the difficult process of healing.
