A horrific incident unfolded at an Idaho fast food restaurant, where a mass shooting resulted in the deaths of three individuals and left seven others wounded. Among those injured were a taxi driver and a former law enforcement officer who attempted to intervene. The tragic event took place at a new In-N-Out Burger in Twin Falls and concluded with the gunman, identified by police as 24-year-old Chad Williams, taking his own life. Authorities are still investigating the motive behind this afternoon attack in a bustling shopping district in Southern Idaho.
As of Monday, details about Williams were scarce. Court records in Idaho and Arizona, where he previously resided, revealed no matching criminal cases for Williams’ name and birth date. Elijah Moseley, who once shared a dorm with Williams at the College of Southern Idaho, described him as an introverted individual who seemed calm and friendly. Moseley expressed shock at the incident, recalling Williams as a relatively close friend.
Police Chief Matthew Hicks confirmed that Williams acted alone. His family is cooperating with the investigation. Of the wounded, two victims received treatment and were released from the hospital, while three are stable, and two remain in critical condition. During the attack, a civilian and an off-duty state trooper confronted Williams, redirecting him away from the restaurant.
The names of the victims remain undisclosed by officials, although some have been identified by friends and relatives. A vigil is planned for Tuesday at Twin Falls City Park.
An employee of the recently opened In-N-Out branch was among those killed. Lynsi Snyder, owner of the California-based chain, stated this without identifying the worker. Christopher Claunch was confirmed deceased by his sister, Kimberley Castaneda, although she withheld further details. Claunch was known for his dedication to aiding those battling alcohol addiction and had completed a rehabilitation program at Renaissance Ranch Recovery Center in Rupert, Idaho.
Garren Taylor, a friend, praised Claunch, affectionately called ‘Toph,’ for his altruism and dedication to helping others recover from addiction. Taylor highlighted Claunch’s genuine desire to help those in need without concern for financial compensation. Renaissance Ranch declined to comment.
Marcus Scott posted on Facebook about his son Austin “A.J.” Scott, who suffered critical injuries during the attack while trying to protect others. He expressed gratitude for his son’s survival and acknowledged the immediate care provided by A.J.’s wife and friend. Marcus Scott noted his son’s background in law enforcement but refrained from further discussion, citing that it is his son’s narrative to share.
James Palmer, owner of North Star Taxi, shared that his friend and employee Terry Dudley was shot while charging a company vehicle. Dudley contacted Palmer after unsuccessful attempts to reach 911. He was transported to a Boise hospital where he remains with serious injuries.
Williams’ background includes a stint at the College of Southern Idaho from August 2022 to December 2023. According to college president L. Dean Fisher, Williams did not complete his studies. He briefly served in the student senate but was impeached unanimously in February 2023 due to inactivity, according to Moseley, the former senate pro-tempore.
Contributions from Associated Press reporters Christopher Weber and Jamie Stengle provided additional insights into the incident.