IDAHO, Aug. 3 (ANI): Three people were killed and seven others were injured after a gunman opened fire at an In-N-Out restaurant in Twin Falls, Idaho, on Saturday before taking his own life, local officials confirmed, according to CBS News.
Twin Falls Police Chief Matthew Hicks said Sunday that the shooter died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. The suspect was identified as 24-year-old Chad Williams.
Hicks said investigators are working to determine the motive for the attack, adding that the suspect’s family is cooperating with law enforcement.
“Their hearts are also broken,” Hicks said.
The shooting occurred shortly before 2:30 p.m. local time. Video shared on social media showed people fleeing a shopping center parking lot as multiple gunshots rang out, CBS News reported.
The footage also showed an individual carrying what appeared to be a firearm outside the restaurant and opening the doors of a parked sedan.
“First responders faced what was described as one of the most chaotic situations a law enforcement officer can face in their career,” Hicks told reporters on Sunday.
The police chief said an off-duty law enforcement officer and a bystander confronted Williams and exchanged gunfire with the suspect.
“We believe their actions drove the suspect from the scene, preventing further casualties,” Hicks said.
Two of the injured were treated and released from St. Luke’s Magic Valley Medical Center, Hicks said. Two victims remain in critical condition, while three others are listed in stable condition. He cautioned that the figures are preliminary and subject to change.
In-N-Out President Lynsi Snyder said in a statement that one of the victims killed was a female employee. She did not identify the employee but said she was “taking care of our most important asset — our Customers” when the shooting began, CBS News reported.
Agents from the Federal Bureau of Investigation arrived at the scene to assist local authorities with the investigation, an FBI spokesperson told CBS News.
Expressing sympathy, Snyder said her heart “goes out” to everyone affected by the violence, including those who witnessed the “traumatic event.”
“We will stand together, and we will do everything we can to learn from this situation,” Snyder said.
Twin Falls is located in southern Idaho, about 120 miles southeast of the state capital, Boise. (ANI)
