A quiet Saturday afternoon in southern Idaho turned into a scene of terror after a gunman opened fire outside a busy In-N-Out Burger restaurant in Twin Falls, leaving three people dead—including the suspected shooter—and several others wounded in one of the state’s deadliest mass shootings in recent years. Authorities say the investigation remains in its early stages as detectives work to determine what led to the tragic attack.
According to Twin Falls police, officers responded to reports of an active shooter shortly after 2:30 p.m. local time at the newly opened In-N-Out Burger located in a crowded commercial shopping district. Witnesses described hearing a rapid burst of gunfire as customers and employees ran for cover, with many abandoning vehicles in the drive-thru and parking lot while others rushed inside nearby businesses seeking safety.
Police Chief Matthew Hicks called the incident “a very chaotic scene,” confirming that three people were killed and seven others suffered injuries. Several victims were transported to St. Luke’s Magic Valley Medical Center, where some remain in critical condition. Authorities have not yet released the identities of the victims as family notifications continue.
Investigators confirmed that the suspected gunman is dead, although officials have not yet disclosed whether he died from police gunfire or another cause. His identity has also not been publicly released, and detectives are continuing to examine evidence collected at the scene. Law enforcement agencies, including the FBI, are assisting local investigators as they interview witnesses and review surveillance footage from nearby businesses.
Several eyewitnesses reported seeing the suspect carrying what appeared to be an AR-style rifle before opening fire near the restaurant’s parking lot. One witness told reporters that an armed civilian attempted to confront the shooter, potentially giving others valuable seconds to escape the area. Video circulating online appears to show the suspect moving toward a vehicle moments before gunfire erupted, though authorities have not officially authenticated all footage posted on social media.
The restaurant, which had opened only days earlier, quickly became the center of a massive emergency response. Police established a large perimeter around the shopping center while ambulances and emergency crews treated victims. Residents were urged to avoid the area until officers confirmed there was no longer an active threat.
Idaho Governor Brad Little expressed condolences to the victims and their families, calling the violence heartbreaking. In-N-Out Burger also released a statement saying the company is fully cooperating with investigators while offering support to employees affected by the tragedy.
As investigators continue searching for answers, officials emphasize that no motive has been established and there is currently no indication of an ongoing threat to the public. Detectives expect the investigation to continue for days as they process the crime scene, review evidence, and conduct hundreds of witness interviews.
