A busy Saturday afternoon in Twin Falls, Idaho, changed forever when a shooting at one of the state’s newest In-N-Out Burger restaurants left multiple families grieving and an entire community in shock. What had begun as a typical weekend filled with customers enjoying lunch quickly turned into a large-scale emergency that brought a significant response from law enforcement, firefighters, paramedics, and neighboring agencies. As investigators continue examining the evidence, officials say their focus remains on understanding what happened while supporting victims, survivors, and the families affected by the tragedy.
According to investigators, the shooting occurred on August 1, 2026, at the Twin Falls In-N-Out Burger, which had opened only days earlier as the company’s fourth restaurant in Idaho. Authorities identified the suspected shooter as 24-year-old Chad Williams, who they say opened fire before later dying from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Police have stated that current evidence indicates he acted alone, although detectives continue reviewing surveillance footage, digital evidence, and witness statements as part of the ongoing investigation. Officials have not announced a confirmed motive.
The violence began shortly before 2:30 p.m. near the intersection of Blue Lakes Boulevard and Fillmore Street, one of Twin Falls’ busiest commercial areas. The recently opened restaurant had attracted long lines of customers, with people dining inside, waiting in the drive-thru, and visiting nearby businesses. Within moments, the atmosphere changed dramatically as gunfire sent customers, employees, and shoppers running in different directions. Emergency dispatchers quickly received numerous calls from frightened witnesses, allowing police and emergency medical personnel to respond rapidly to the unfolding situation.
Authorities confirmed that three people were killed and seven others were injured during the attack. Emergency responders immediately began treating victims while officers secured the area and searched for any additional threats. Investigators later confirmed there was no continuing danger to the public after the suspect was found deceased. Even after the immediate emergency ended, detectives remained at the scene collecting evidence and interviewing witnesses in an effort to establish a complete timeline of events.
Several survivors later described the confusion they experienced during the first moments of the attack. Some initially believed they had heard construction sounds or another unexpected disturbance before realizing the noises were gunfire. Others recalled seeing customers helping complete strangers reach safer locations while employees directed people away from danger whenever possible. Many witnesses credited the quick actions of both emergency responders and ordinary citizens with helping people escape during an extremely chaotic situation.
Among those injured was Terry Dudley, who was reportedly inside his vehicle while charging it nearby when he was struck by gunfire. Family members later shared updates indicating that he underwent emergency medical treatment and remained hospitalized while recovering from serious injuries. Relatives described him as a devoted father and hardworking member of the community, expressing gratitude for the medical teams caring for him as well as for the encouragement and support shown by friends, neighbors, and members of the public. Community fundraising efforts were also organized to assist with medical expenses and the financial impact of his recovery.
Another victim, Austin “A.J.” Scott, was seriously injured after reportedly moving toward the danger in an effort to help protect others. According to statements shared by his family, he faced multiple surgeries followed by a lengthy rehabilitation process. His relatives publicly thanked first responders, doctors, nurses, and everyone who offered prayers and encouragement while asking for continued support as he focused on recovery. Their statements emphasized both gratitude for his survival and sympathy for every family affected by the tragedy.
Investigators have also recognized the actions of two individuals who confronted the shooter during the incident. One of them, Jordan Salinas, later identified himself publicly after authorities credited him with helping redirect the suspect away from the crowded restaurant. Salinas, a healthcare worker from Kimberly, Idaho, said he had arrived for lunch shortly before realizing that people were fleeing from gunfire. Carrying a legally possessed handgun, he responded based on his training after recognizing the seriousness of the situation. According to investigators, his actions, together with those of an off-duty Idaho state trooper, helped alter the course of the attack.
Twin Falls County Sheriff Jack Johnson publicly praised both men, stating that their intervention likely prevented additional casualties. Officials explained that their actions diverted the shooter away from the crowded drive-thru area toward a more open section near the city’s visitor center, where the incident ultimately ended. Law enforcement has repeatedly emphasized that while officers responded quickly, the actions of these two individuals created additional opportunities for customers and employees to escape safely.
Following the incident, Salinas shared a message thanking everyone who had contacted him with support while making clear that his thoughts remained with the victims and their families. He explained that he hoped to speak more about the experience in the future but believed the focus should remain on those who had lost loved ones or continued recovering from their injuries. Authorities have not publicly identified the off-duty state trooper who also returned fire during the incident.
Witnesses also provided investigators with additional descriptions of the suspect’s actions during the attack. Construction worker Lane Koehn, who was nearby, later told reporters that the gunman appeared disorganized while moving through the parking lot. Koehn also described seeing employees and bystanders working together to assist an injured restaurant worker before emergency medical crews arrived. According to his account, a retired emergency medical technician who happened to be nearby immediately began helping provide care until professional responders reached the scene, highlighting how multiple people attempted to assist victims during the emergency.
The tragedy also deeply affected the restaurant’s employees. In-N-Out Burger President Lynsi Snyder confirmed that one employee was among those killed during the shooting and expressed condolences to everyone impacted. The company stated that its priority remained supporting the victim’s family, fellow employees, and everyone affected by the incident. Community members also organized memorials and gatherings to honor those who lost their lives while expressing support for survivors and first responders.
As investigators continue working to determine why the attack occurred, officials have confirmed that the suspect’s relatives are cooperating fully with detectives. Police have asked the public to avoid speculation while the investigation remains active and evidence continues to be reviewed. At the same time, the Twin Falls Police Department has reassured residents that law enforcement services remain fully available despite the scale of the investigation, with neighboring agencies providing assistance when necessary. As the community begins the long process of healing, local leaders continue encouraging support for victims, survivors, and the families whose lives were permanently changed by the tragedy.
