Lives Saved by a Bystander in Twin Falls Shooting

Twin Falls, Idaho — The quick response of a bystander with a handgun might have prevented additional casualties during a shooting at an In-N-Out Burger on Saturday. Witnesses describe a tense situation where the suspect was quickly distracted, possibly saving lives, including those of customers and staff inside the restaurant.

Witness Account

Lane Koehn, aged 34, observed the situation unfold while waiting at a stoplight near the popular fast-food establishment. As he watched, a man armed with an AR-style rifle appeared from the drive-thru. The shooter began targeting vehicles, striking a car directly in front of Koehn’s position.

Koehn recalled, “I could tell he was trying to figure out where to go, and somebody in the drive-thru line with a handgun was shooting at him.”

He noted that the shooter seemed panicked, looking around and moving erratically. This distraction allowed numerous individuals, including Koehn, to escape the area safely.

Police Investigation

Three individuals were killed, and at least five others were injured according to Twin Falls Police Chief Matthew Hicks. While the gunman himself is deceased, it is unclear whether he is included in the official casualty count provided. The authorities are currently investigating the motive behind the attack, but the identities of both the bystander and the suspect remain undisclosed.

Koehn described the scene as chaotic prior to the arrival of law enforcement. He managed to position himself in a nearby parking lot where he witnessed an employee, bleeding from a gunshot wound to the chest, being assisted by a retired EMT. Once the ambulance arrived, swift action was taken to transport the victim for medical care.

Community Impact

Lynsi Snyder, President of In-N-Out Burger, confirmed that one of those killed was an employee. Expressing sorrow, Snyder emphasized the loss of a valued staff member who was committed to customer service.

“She was taking care of our most important asset — our customers, and her life was taken by a disgusting human who doesn’t value the lives of others or his own,” Snyder stated.

The Twin Falls Police Department assured residents of continued law enforcement presence from multiple agencies such as the Twin Falls County Sheriff’s Office, Nampa Police Department, and Idaho State Police. They announced the creation of a digital tip line by the FBI for the public to submit relevant media from the incident to aid in the investigation.

This report includes firsthand accounts from Dana Griffin in Twin Falls, Idaho, and contributions from Doha Madani in New York City.