Austin James, an Antelope High alumnus and former Twin Falls police officer, was seriously wounded after confronting the gunman during the Aug. 1 shooting at an In‑N‑Out in Twin Falls. His wife, an ER nurse, provided immediate aid and helped get him to a hospital. The attack left three people dead, including 23‑year‑old manager Ashley Garibay, and seven others injured. Police identified 24‑year‑old Chad Williams Jr. as the shooter; he died of a self‑inflicted gunshot and investigators say he acted alone.
Antelope High Graduate, Former Officer Severely Wounded After Confronting Shooter at Twin Falls In‑N‑Out
A Northern California native and Antelope High School graduate, identified by family as Austin James, was seriously wounded after rushing the gunman during a mass shooting at an In‑N‑Out Burger in Twin Falls, Idaho, authorities and relatives said.
Austin James, left, was wounded in a shooting at an In-N-Out Burger in Twin Falls on Aug. 1. givessndgo
James, a former Twin Falls police officer who later attended Brigham Young University, was waiting in the restaurant’s drive‑thru with his wife on Aug. 1, 2026, when gunfire erupted, his father told KCRA. Rather than fleeing, James ran toward the shooter in an effort to stop the attack and was struck in the arm, suffering serious injuries.
An enhanced image shows the moment gunmen open fire outside an In-N-Out in Idaho, sparking mass panic. X/commandante_
His wife, an emergency room nurse, immediately provided critical aid at the scene and helped get him to a nearby hospital, the family said. Local reports described her actions as decisive in getting him prompt medical attention.
Former Twin Falls police officer Austin James was seriously injured while trying to stop a shooter, with his wife providing critical aid. KCRA3
Casualties and Investigation
The attack left three people dead and seven others injured, according to law enforcement. Among the deceased was 23‑year‑old Ashley Garibay, an In‑N‑Out manager from Stockton who had traveled to Twin Falls to help train staff. Her family confirmed her identity to KCRA.
A still image captured from video by a witness shows the scene of a shooting that started at an In-N-Out Burger restaurant on Saturday, August 1, 2026, in Twin Falls, Idaho. (Kevin Bell Jr.) Kevin Bell Jr. via AP
Police identified the shooter as 24‑year‑old Chad Williams Jr. Investigators said he died of a self‑inflicted gunshot wound at the scene and that they believe he acted alone; no motive has been announced.
Ashley Garibay is pictured in a photo on Tuesday, July 28, 2026. Garibay, 23, has been identified as the In-N-Out employee who was shot and killed by Chad Williams in Twin Falls, Idaho, on August 1, 2026. Courtesy of the Garibay family
Victim Status
As of Sunday afternoon, authorities reported that two victims remained in critical condition, three were listed as stable, and two additional victims had been treated and released from the hospital.
Chad Williams Jr., left, and his father Chad Williams, right, on the Hermit Trail Hike in 2018. Williams Jr. has been identified as the gunman in a shooting that started at an In-N-Out Burger restaurant on Saturday, Aug. 1, 2026, in Twin Falls, Idaho. Facebook/Chad Williams
Eyewitness Footage and Community Reaction
Witness video and enhanced images captured moments of the shooting and circulated widely as investigators continued their probe. Social media posts also showed the suspected shooter in earlier photos shared by acquaintances.
Family members, former colleagues and community members have praised James’s actions as brave and selfless. Officials continue to investigate the sequence of events and have urged anyone with additional information or footage to contact law enforcement.
Note: Authorities continue to release updates as the investigation proceeds. The identities and statuses of victims were confirmed by law enforcement and local news outlets at the time of reporting.
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