Full Breakdown
Mass Shooting at Twin Falls In-N-Out Burger Leaves Three Dead, Seven Injured
8/4/2026, 8:00:28 AM
Core Event
On August 1, 2026, a 24-year-old gunman identified as Chad Williams opened fire at the newly opened In-N-Out Burger on Blue Lakes Boulevard North in Twin Falls, Idaho. The attack killed three people—including an employee—and wounded seven others before Williams died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound near the restaurant. Police say the shooter acted alone.
Background & Context
The Twin Falls location began operations on July 24 as part of the chain’s expansion into Idaho. The restaurant sits in a busy shopping plaza that draws hundreds of shoppers daily.
Data & Statistics
- Fatalities: 3 (including one associate).
- Injured: 7 according to most local reports; the New York Times noted 5, reflecting early count discrepancies.
- Injured condition (as of the Sunday press conference): 2 treated and released, 3 stable, 2 critical.
- The shooter used an AR-style rifle; an off-duty Idaho State Police trooper and an armed civilian returned fire.
Official Statements & Responses
Twin Falls Police Chief Matthew Hicks said the threat was over and praised the off-duty officer and the intervening citizen, warning against misinformation online. In-N-Out President Lynsi Snyder expressed grief, describing the deceased employee as “one of our beautiful Associates.” COO Denny Warnick offered prayers for those affected and confirmed cooperation with investigators. U.S. Senator Mike Crapo issued condolences and pledged federal assistance.
On-the-Ground Reports
Witness Lane Koehn described seeing a person with an AR-style rifle emerge from the drive-through, followed by a man with a pistol firing at the shooter. Nayeli Rodriguez recounted fleeing with her daughters and being rescued by a passing driver. Haley Dodaro noted the chaos in the drive-through line, saying people were “running out crying and screaming.”
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
- Injury Count: Most outlets reported seven injured, while the New York Times cited five.
- Shooter’s Inclusion in Fatality Tally: Some reports were unclear whether Williams was counted among the three dead; later statements confirmed his death but did not specify inclusion.
- Motive: Authorities have not released a motive; investigators are reviewing video evidence.
Verbatim Quotes
- “We believe their actions helped drive the suspect away from the scene, preventing further casualties.” — Matthew Hicks, police chief
- “He did not like it when bullets started firing both ways,” — Jordan Salinas, bystander
- “She was taking care of our most important asset — our Customers, and her life was taken by a disgusting human who doesn’t value the lives of others or his own.” — Lynsi Snyder, president
What’s Next
Twin Falls Police have opened a digital tip line for video, audio, or images related to the shooting. The FBI is assisting the investigation, and agencies continue to interview witnesses while notifying victims’ families. No further public actions or hearings have been scheduled.
