Massive Law Enforcement Response to Twin Falls In-N-Out Shooting

The newly opened In-N-Out Burger was the site of a deadly shooting on Saturday afternoon. This triggered a massive multi-agency response, which shut down nearby businesses, major roads, and a bridge for several hours. The police have confirmed that the shooter has died, but the immediate threat to the community is still present.

Here’s the full list of everything that’s been confirmed.

What happened

At approximately 2:29 p.m. on Saturday, August 1, police responded to reports that shots were fired at In-N-Out Burger’s location at Blue Lakes Boulevard. Twin Falls Police Department confirmed on social media that it responded to an active shooter situation that resulted in deaths.

News outlets obtained social media videos showing panicked crowds fleeing from a nearby parking lot while gunshots were heard. One clip appeared to show a person carrying a weapon near a vehicle parked outside the restaurant.

Casualties: What has been confirmed so far

As the reporting continued through Saturday night, it is not uncommon for casualty numbers to change. This is normal in the early morning hours following a major event. According to the latest updates:

• At least three people have been killed
• The number of injuries has varied according to the report. It can range from two to seven, depending on officials and outlets.
• Twin Falls city spokesperson Joshua Palmer stated that officials expect the numbers to increase as the investigation continues.

In-N-Out Burger’s President Lynsi Schneider confirmed the death of one of their own employees in a public announcement.

The Shooter

At a press conference held on Saturday evening, Twin Falls Police Chief Matthew Hicks announced that the suspect shooter was dead. Duane Rubink of Jerome told CNN that it appears the shooter was killed by a self-inflicted wound. The identity of the shooter and his possible motive are still being investigated by authorities. They said it could be several days before they release more information.

The Law Enforcement Response

The response was a reflection of how chaotic and dangerous it was at the beginning:

• The officers from Twin Falls and Buhl responded, along with the Idaho State Police and Magic Valley Paramedics.
• Agents of the FBI confirmed that they were present to assist local law enforcement.
• The parking lot of the Magic Valley Mall was cleared, and businesses in the vicinity were put on lockdown.
• The Perrine Bridge was closed, along with other roads in the area, before reopening.
• St. Luke’s Health System has issued a warning to the public asking them to avoid their Magic Valley hospital except in cases of genuine emergencies.
• As part of their response, fire officials say crews searched an area hotel that overlooked the visitor center.

The police said they were interviewing hundreds of witnesses in the vicinity at the time. They described the scene as chaotic, given the number of people nearby.

Official and Community Reaction

Brad Little, the Governor of Idaho, addressed the public about the Twin Falls shooting, urging residents to pray for the community, the victims, and the first responders, as well as advising them to stay away from the area and to follow law enforcement advice. After the press conference that confirmed the death of the shooter, officials lifted their shelter-in-place order.

The tragedy was particularly devastating for the local community because the In-N-Out store had only opened a few days before, to great excitement.

The Current Situation

The police have lifted the shelter-in-place orders, stating that they no longer believe there is a threat to the local community. Authorities are still investigating the identity of the shooter and his motive. Anyone with information that has not yet been shared with law enforcement is asked to contact dispatch.

Frequently asked questions

How many people were killed in the Twin Falls Inn-N-Out shootings? 

Officials have confirmed that at least three people died, but they say the number could increase as the investigation continues.

Does the shooter remain at large?
The police have confirmed that the shooter has died and there is no threat to the community.

Where was the shooting?
In-N-Out Burger on Blue Lakes Boulevard, Twin Falls, Idaho.

Was an In-N-Out employee one of the victims?In-N-Out President Lynsi Schneider confirmed that one of their workers had been killed.

Does the motive of the crime appear to be known?
Authorities say that the identity and motive of the shooter are still under investigation.

Was the FBI involved in this case?
Yes, FBI agents assisted local law enforcement in the investigation and response.

Final Thoughts

The investigation is still ongoing, and more details on the victims, shooter, and the circumstances of the tragedy will be revealed in the next few days. Follow USA Times Square. Continue to follow this story for updates.