Daijiworld Media Network - Twin Falls

Twin Falls (Idaho), Aug 4: Authorities have identified the gunman responsible for the mass shooting at an In-N-Out Burger restaurant in Twin Falls, Idaho, that left three people dead and seven others injured. Police said the suspect, Chad Williams, 24, died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound after armed civilians confronted him during the attack.

Twin Falls Police Chief Matthew Hicks said investigators believe Williams acted alone and that his family has been notified and is cooperating with law enforcement. He added that investigators are continuing to examine the circumstances surrounding the attack, including the suspect's actions and possible motive. Police also urged the public not to circulate misinformation, dismissing online rumours that the gunman was affiliated with the fire department or that another individual had been been involved.

The shooting took place at around 2.30 pm local time on August 1 at a recently opened In-N-Out Burger in a busy shopping plaza in Twin Falls, where hundreds of people were in and around the restaurant when gunfire erupted.

Witness Lane Koehn, who recorded part of the incident on his cellphone, said he was stopped at a traffic light when shots rang out. He told local media that the gunman appeared to be armed with a semi-automatic rifle and fired at people inside vehicles as well as through the restaurant's drive-thru window.

An armed bystander returned fire, while an off-duty Idaho State Police trooper also engaged the shooter. Chief Hicks described both individuals' actions as "heroic", saying they likely forced the gunman away from the crowded area and prevented further casualties.

Authorities have not yet released the identities of the three people killed, pending notification of their families. In-N-Out Burger owner and chief executive Lynsi Snyder confirmed that one of the victims was a restaurant employee. In a social media post, she said her heart was broken over the loss of the employee and customers who "never saw it coming."

Of the seven injured, two remain in critical condition, three are in stable condition and two others have been treated and discharged from hospital.

One of the injured victims has been identified by family and friends as Terry Dudley, a taxi driver with North Star Taxi. According to relatives, Dudley was charging his electric vehicle when he was shot twice in the back. He remains in stable condition but is expected to face a lengthy recovery.

Police said the investigation is continuing as detectives work to establish a motive behind one of the deadliest shootings in Idaho in recent years.