An employee at a newly opened In-N-Out Burger restaurant in Twin Falls, Idaho, was among those killed in a mass shooting that unfolded Saturday afternoon, according to company president Lynsi Snyder.
In a public statement released a day after the attack, Snyder expressed deep grief over the loss of the employee, describing her as a dedicated associate who was serving customers at the drive-thru when she was fatally shot.
Emotional Tribute From In-N-Out Leadership
Snyder said the tragedy had left the company devastated, calling the slain employee “beautiful” and praising her commitment to serving customers.
She also condemned the gunman, accusing him of showing complete disregard for the lives of others before taking his own life.
Authorities have not yet publicly identified the victims or the suspect as officials continue notifying relatives.
Shooting Leaves Multiple Dead and Injured
The attack claimed at least two victims and left seven others wounded, according to law enforcement. Police later confirmed the suspected gunman was also found dead near the restaurant after suffering what investigators believe was a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
Twin Falls Public Information Officer Josh Palmer said three people died overall, a total that includes the suspected shooter.
Police emphasized that the investigation remains active as detectives work to establish the suspect’s identity and determine a motive.
Authorities Say Threat Has Ended
Twin Falls Police Chief Matthew Hicks described the incident as a chaotic and rapidly evolving emergency but assured residents that there was no continuing danger to the community.
Investigators have not disclosed whether the victims were randomly selected or specifically targeted, saying further evidence must be reviewed before drawing conclusions about the attack.
Reports of Armed Bystander Emerge
Witnesses reported that an armed civilian responded after the shooting began, firing a handgun toward the suspect while helping injured victims reach safety.
Although early speculation suggested the bystander had stopped the attacker, Jerome Police Chief Duane Rubink later clarified that investigators believe the gunman died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound rather than being shot by another person.
Witnesses Describe Panic and Desperation
Video recorded during the incident showed frightened customers and employees fleeing the restaurant as gunfire erupted. Several witnesses described seeing the suspect carrying what appeared to be an AR-style rifle near the drive-thru shortly after 2 p.m.
One witness, Lane Koehn, said the armed civilian stayed beside a wounded employee who had suffered a chest wound until emergency medical personnel arrived. Koehn also recalled police ordering people to evacuate while the shooting remained active.
Another witness recorded a man carrying a long rifle near a white vehicle before leaving the area out of fear that additional weapons might be retrieved.
Customers Recall Frightening Escape
Customers inside the restaurant described scenes of confusion as employees warned patrons to take cover before evacuating.
Twin Falls resident Haley Dodaro said she initially believed there had been a fire after seeing workers and customers running from the building before learning there was an active shooter.
Nayeli Rodriguez, who was dining with her daughters, said an employee alerted customers to the danger and instructed everyone to get down.
She credited an older man with helping shield her family before they escaped the restaurant and found safety in another person’s vehicle.
Newly Opened Restaurant Becomes Scene of Tragedy
The Twin Falls location had opened only about a week earlier, on July 24, as part of In-N-Out Burger’s expansion into Idaho.
Emergency responders transported multiple victims to St. Luke’s Magic Valley Medical Center, while investigators continued processing the crime scene. Officials say the investigation into the motive and circumstances surrounding the shooting remains ongoing.
