On Aug. 1, a gunman opened fire at a newly opened In-N-Out Burger in Twin Falls, Idaho, killing three people and injuring seven. Police identified the suspect as 24-year-old Chad Williams, who later died of a self-inflicted gunshot; investigators say he acted alone but have not announced a motive. Edited surveillance footage released Aug. 8 helped reconstruct the attack, and an off-duty state trooper and a civilian who intervened may have prevented additional casualties. The community continues to support victims' families as the investigation proceeds.
Routine Lunch Turned Deadly: Inside the Twin Falls In-N-Out Shooting
startled customers in a diner
In Twin Falls, Idaho, a routine stop at a newly opened In-N-Out Burger on Aug. 1 collapsed into chaos in a matter of minutes when a gunman opened fire, killing three people and wounding seven others.
What Happened
Police say 24-year-old Chad Williams arrived at the restaurant and began shooting around the drive-thru area before continuing to fire in nearby locations, including surrounding roads and a visitor center area. Authorities reported that Williams later died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Investigators believe he acted alone and have not publicly announced a motive.
Victims and Injuries
The three people killed were identified as In-N-Out employee Ashley Garibay, 23, Dale Schultz, 66, and Christopher Claunch, 59. Seven others were injured; two were later released from medical care, three were listed in stable condition, and two remained in critical condition at the time authorities released information.
Surveillance Footage and Response
Authorities released edited surveillance footage on Aug. 8 showing how rapidly the attack unfolded and how employees, customers and first responders reacted. The recordings, with graphic content removed, helped investigators reconstruct the sequence of events and the shooter’s movements.
Officials credited the actions of an off-duty state trooper and a civilian who intervened during the incident; authorities said their intervention helped drive the suspect away and may have prevented additional casualties. Initial reports of possible additional shooters at other locations prompted a broad response and took roughly 90 minutes to rule out.
Community Impact and Response
For survivors, witnesses and the families of victims, the memory of that day remains deeply personal. While a business can be cleaned and reopened, the emotional aftermath lingers. Local leaders and residents have emphasized mutual support: checking on neighbors, offering resources to affected families, and organizing memorials to honor those lost.
"Acts of courage—by employees, customers and an off-duty trooper—stood out amid the fear. Those responses won’t erase the loss, but they shaped the community’s immediate reaction and helped reduce further harm."
Investigation
Investigators continue to interview witnesses and analyze evidence. Authorities have urged the public to avoid sharing unverified claims about the suspect or victims while the probe continues. Key questions remain, including a clear motive for the attack.
The shooting transformed an ordinary afternoon into a lasting memory for those present. As investigations continue, Twin Falls faces the long process of grief and recovery while honoring the victims and recognizing the bravery shown that day.
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