Survivors of the In-N-Out Shooting Share Their Gripping Accounts of the Tragic Event

What began as an ordinary trip for a meal quickly escalated into a terrifying ordeal for siblings caught in a harrowing shooting incident at the In-N-Out restaurant in Twin Falls, Idaho. As chaos erupted around them, they were forced to make split-second decisions to survive the terror unfolding just moments after their arrival. The deadly attack, which left three individuals dead and seven others injured, marked a tragic chapter for the community. The assailant was identified as 24-year-old Chad Williams, who acted alone in this shocking incident.

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The tragic shooting took place on Saturday afternoon, August 1, 2026, while the restaurant was bustling with patrons. The In-N-Out had only been open for a little over a week, having welcomed its first customers on July 24. Witnesses reported panic as gunfire erupted, with victims fleeing for their lives amidst the chaos. Williams was reported to have used an AR-style rifle during the attack and subsequently took his own life. Twin Falls Police Chief Matthew Hicks confirmed that the investigation into the motive is ongoing, and the family of the shooter is cooperating with authorities during this difficult time.

In the aftermath, the police confirmed that two of the injured individuals were treated and released, while three victims remained in stable condition, and two others were reported to be in critical condition. The police chief praised the quick response from bystanders, including an armed citizen and an off-duty state trooper, whose actions helped to limit the destruction, potentially saving lives in the process.

Witness Describes How the Shooting Unfolded

As the situation unfolded, witnesses described a scene of utter chaos. Lane Koehn, 34, was stopped at a traffic light near the restaurant when he first spotted the gunman. He recalled seeing a man with an AR-style rifle emerging from the drive-thru, bullets striking the car in front of him as the assailant approached. Koehn described the gunman as being in a state of panic, moving erratically while reacting to the armed citizen who was also present. This moment of confrontation allowed bystanders to escape, as they were able to flee while the shooter’s attention was diverted.

Another witness, Haley Dodaro, was in the drive-thru with her mother when they noticed employees running out of the restaurant and customers fleeing in all directions. Initially confused, they assumed there might be a fire until a traffic controller informed them of the shooter’s presence. The terrifying realization led to a frantic scene where people were running and crying, highlighting the immediate danger they were all in.

Dominic Gonzales Tried to Shield His Younger Brothers

Among those who experienced the attack were siblings Dominic Gonzales and Jaylyn Sanchez. Dominic had been waiting in the car with his younger brothers when he first heard the gunshots. “We were just sitting there, I was playing on my phone when I heard a couple pops. I looked up and saw a man walking from a white vehicle with a pistol in his hand,” he recounted. Instinct kicked in as he quickly ducked down and urged his siblings to do the same, taking action to protect them from the unfolding violence.

Dominic recalled throwing himself across the front of the car to shield his brothers from any stray bullets, showcasing the immediate family bond that pushed him to act in such a dangerous situation. Meanwhile, he continuously peered out to monitor the shooter’s movements, desperate to keep his siblings safe.

Jaylyn Sanchez Barricaded Herself Inside the Restroom Until She Came Face-to-Face with the Gunman

While her brother and siblings were in the car, Jaylyn had gone inside to order food and found herself trapped in the restroom when the shooting began. Hearing the chaos unfold outside, she quickly barricaded the door, fearing for her life as screams echoed around her. Not knowing the whereabouts of her family heightened her anxiety, as she contemplated her next move.

Eventually, she was informed that it was safe to leave and made her way out of the restroom, only to encounter the shooter. “As I was running, I faced the shooter head-on, and he pointed the gun at me,” she shared. In a split second, she ducked behind a nearby car for cover, realizing the danger was very much alive.

In a moment of desperation, she spotted a gun case and attempted to grab a weapon to defend herself. Unfortunately, she found it jammed, leaving her feeling helpless. With fear propelling her forward, she dashed toward her brother’s vehicle, throwing herself into the car as they sped away from the scene.

Footage from a Witness Captured the Suspect After the Shooting

Witnesses were not only present during the attack but also captured some of the events on their cellphones. One motorist recorded the armed suspect approaching a white vehicle afterward. The footage depicted the shooter carrying a long gun, which raised immediate concerns about whether he was retrieving another weapon from the car. The witness decided to drive away, fearing for their safety as the suspect’s actions remained uncertain.

This footage was critical as it provided law enforcement with additional insights into the suspect’s movements prior to his self-inflicted gunshot wound. The police received the first emergency call at approximately 2:29 p.m., and the complex response involved local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies, along with emergency medical services.

An Off-Duty Trooper and Citizen Returned Fire

Before law enforcement arrived on the scene, an off-duty state trooper and a civilian took action by returning fire at the shooter. Their swift response played a crucial role in curbing the violence, as they confronted the suspect and helped deter him from causing more harm. Police Chief Hicks noted their bravery and commended their efforts in a chaotic environment.

As the investigation continues, officials are gathering evidence and asking anyone with video recordings or photographs related to the incident to come forward. This outreach aims to piece together the events that transpired and ensure justice for the victims and their families.

In-N-Out Mourns Those Affected

In the wake of the tragedy, In-N-Out President Lynsi Snyder issued a heartfelt statement expressing her sorrow over the loss of life and the impact this incident had on employees and customers alike. She acknowledged the restaurant’s 441st location as a site of grief, highlighting that one of the associates tragically lost her life while serving customers. Snyder described the loss as heartbreaking and emphasized the need for community support and healing during this time.

She encouraged people to seek comfort rather than anger, promising that In-N-Out would stand with those affected and learn from this unfortunate event. Snyder’s message resonated with the community, showing a commitment to support the victims’ families through their grief.

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Police Warn Against False Claims Online

In the aftermath of these violent incidents, law enforcement has been vigilant in addressing the spread of misinformation. As rumors circulate online, police have urged the public to refrain from sharing unfounded claims that can cause further distress to victims’ families and the community.

Online Posts Fuel Speculation

Amidst the confusion and fear, social media has become a platform for speculation about both incidents. Some users began piecing together information about the suspects involved in various acts of violence, leading to concerns about privacy and the potential for harassment of innocent individuals. The authorities have called for responsible sharing of information, emphasizing the importance of verified facts over speculation.