Law enforcement officials in Twin Falls, Idaho, released video footage Friday of last weekend's shooting at a local In-N-Out Burger restaurant that left three people dead and ten others wounded. The gunman, 24-year-old Chad Williams, died at the scene from a self-inflicted gunshot wound as police closed in.
The Twin Falls Police Department presented more than nine minutes of surveillance video during a news conference, compiled from multiple cameras inside and outside the restaurant. Chief Matthew Hicks narrated the footage, which was partially muted, blurred, paused, or removed to protect sensitive content and victim privacy.
What the Right Is Saying
Conservative voices highlighted acts of heroism by armed civilians and an off-duty state trooper who intervened during the attack. Republican lawmakers and Second Amendment supporters argued the incident demonstrates why law-abiding citizens must retain their right to carry concealed weapons.
"What we witnessed in Twin Falls was tragedy, but also proof that good people with guns can save lives," said a representative from the National Rifle Association in a statement. "The armed civilians who confronted the shooter likely prevented additional casualties."
Several Republican state legislators pointed to Jordan Salinas, an armed civilian who exchanged gunfire with Williams at a nearby Tesla charging station, and Braxton Steube, whose encounter with the gunman near a trail by the Snake River Canyon reportedly distracted Williams and gave others time to escape.
"These heroes stepped up when it mattered most," said Idaho Governor Brad Little in a statement praising the civilians. "Their courage exemplifies the spirit of self-defense that the Second Amendment protects."
What the Left Is Saying
Gun violence prevention advocates said the release of the video underscores the urgent need for stronger firearm safety measures. The shooting has reignited calls from Democratic lawmakers and progressive advocacy groups for universal background check requirements and red flag laws that would allow courts to temporarily remove weapons from individuals showing signs of danger.
"Every mass shooting is a reminder that our communities remain dangerously unprotected," said a spokesperson for the Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence in a statement. "We need comprehensive legislation that keeps guns out of dangerous hands without infringing on Second Amendment rights."
Some progressive commentators have pointed to the chaos at the fast-food restaurant as evidence that current gun laws are insufficient to prevent rapid-fire attacks, calling for restrictions on high-capacity magazines similar to those used by Williams in the later stages of his rampage.
What the Numbers Show
According to Twin Falls Police Chief Matthew Hicks, ten people were shot during the attack. The three fatalities included Ashley Garibay, 23, an In-N-Out employee; Christopher Claunch, who was sitting in his vehicle at the drive-thru; and Dale Schultz, 66, who was shot at a Tesla charging station and later died from his injuries.
Schultz's wife was critically injured. Terry Dudley was shot twice in the back while charging his vehicle. Austin James, a former police officer who attempted to intervene, survived after being pulled into a vehicle for medical treatment due to severe blood loss.
Williams fired at vehicles stopped at a red light on Blue Lakes Boulevard, wounding three additional people during his flight from the restaurant. An armed off-duty Idaho state trooper inside the restaurant helped evacuate diners and exchanged gunfire with Williams multiple times before he retreated toward the Snake River Canyon trail area where he encountered Steube.
The Bottom Line
The investigation into the shooting remains ongoing. Authorities have not announced a motive, and police said no additional suspects are being sought following Williams' death at the scene. The video release comes as Idaho state lawmakers have been considering proposals to expand firearm access in certain public spaces.
Governor Little praised community members who intervened during the attack but acknowledged that questions remain about prevention. "Today we mourn those lost and pray for the wounded," he said. "We are grateful for those who acted bravely, and we will continue working to ensure our communities are safe."
The Idaho Department of Law Enforcement said it is assisting local police with the investigation. A full report on the shooting, including forensic evidence and witness interviews, is expected to be released publicly once the probe concludes.