TWIN FALLS, Idaho – The tragic events that unfolded at an In-N-Out Burger restaurant in southern Idaho on Saturday have left the community in shock. Three individuals lost their lives, including an employee of the fast-food chain, as a result of a shooting that also injured seven others, some critically.
In a heartfelt statement released on social media, In-N-Out owner Lynsi Snyder expressed her sorrow, stating, “My heart is broken, my chest is heavy, my eyes burn from the tears I’ve shed. We lost one of our beautiful Associates tonight.” She further emphasized the company’s commitment to mourn with the families affected and offer prayers during this painful period.
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The FBI is actively seeking public assistance by encouraging anyone with images or videos related to the shooting to come forward. The incident took place just a week after the restaurant opened on July 24, marking In-N-Out’s expansion into Idaho.
While the names and details of the victims are currently withheld as authorities work to notify their relatives, Twin Falls spokesperson Josh Palmer confirmed that the suspected gunman was found deceased near the restaurant, although it remains unclear whether he is included in the fatality count.
Police Chief Matthew Hicks stated in a news conference that the investigation is ongoing, with officers working to identify the shooter and understand the motive behind this senseless act. “We believe the threat to the community is over,” Hicks assured, describing the scene as chaotic.
Witnesses recounted harrowing details of the shooting. Lane Koehn, who was at a nearby stoplight, saw a person with an AR-style rifle come from the drive-thru and heard shots being fired. He witnessed an employee dragging a wounded colleague across the parking lot, calling for help until paramedics arrived.
Describing the scene, Koehn noted, “She was pretty bad off, but I don’t know. I hope she made it.” Multiple shots were fired, and the uncertainty of whether anyone was specifically targeted added to the panic.
Haley Dodaro, another eyewitness, described the fear that swept through the area. She and her mother, who had gone to the restaurant for lunch, initially thought there might be a fire when they saw people running and employees fleeing the building. “It was very scary,” she recalled.
Inside the restaurant, Nayeli Rodriguez reported hearing the shots from the kitchen, prompting an employee to instruct patrons to get down. An older man helped shield Rodriguez and her daughters as they made their way to safety.
Emergency services responded swiftly, with multiple individuals transported to St. Luke’s Magic Valley Medical Center for treatment. The hospital is coordinating closely with law enforcement as they manage this tragic situation.
Twin Falls, a city of approximately 56,000 residents, is located about 130 miles southeast of Boise and 75 miles north of the Nevada border. This incident serves as a somber reminder of the violence that can erupt in seemingly safe environments, leaving lasting scars on communities.
