Multiple people were killed and others were injured in a shooting near an In-N-Out Burger in Twin Falls, Idaho, on Saturday, Aug. 1, according to local police.
Twin Falls Police Chief Matthew Hicks said during a press conference that the suspected shooter is deceased and authorities believe the threat to the community is over. Hicks said a number of people were being treated for injuries and that investigators were interviewing hundreds of people as they worked to determine what happened.
Hicks said an exact number of fatalities was unavailable Saturday afternoon.
The shooting happened in the area of the restaurant on Blue Lakes Boulevard North, a busy commercial corridor with several major retailers and a movie theater complex. Authorities have
not released the identities of those killed or injured or provided additional details about what led to the shooting.
"We have hundreds of people that were in some way, shape or form in the area of this restaurant at the time that are being interviewed right now," Hicks said.
The Twin Falls Police Department said in an Aug. 1 social media post that it was responding to an "active shooter incident" shortly after 3 p.m. local time, urging residents and visitors to avoid the area as officers and emergency crews responded. Roads surrounding the scene, including a nearby bridge, were shut down while investigators worked.
"Our department is responding to an active shooter incident in the area of In-N-Out," the Twin Falls Police said in a Facebook post. "We are asking all residents and visitors to avoid the area so officers and first responders can work safely." The department added that roads in the area, including the bridge, were closed and asked motorists to use alternate routes while promising additional updates as they become available.
Idaho Gov. Brad Little also urged residents to follow law enforcement's instructions as authorities responded to the shooting.
"Idahoans, join me in keeping the Twin Falls community in your prayers as law enforcement and first responders respond to an active shooter situation near In-N-Out," Little wrote on X. "Please avoid the area and follow directions from law enforcement as they work to keep everyone safe."
Authorities searching for suspect
Idaho Attorney General Raúl Labrador said law enforcement was searching for the suspect Saturday afternoon.
"Praying for everyone in Twin Falls as first responders continue searching for the suspect near In-N-Out," Labrador wrote in a Facebook post.
The FBI said it was sending agents to assist with the investigation, although officials said the case remains under the direction of local law enforcement.
Authorities have not released information about a possible motive or what led to the shooting. Police also have not identified any suspects or confirmed whether anyone had been taken into custody.
Reporter Anthony Thompson can be reached at ajthompson@usatodayco.com, or on X @athompsonUSAT
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Shooting near In-N-Out in Idaho leaves multiple fatalities, including suspect, police say
