Sen. Mike Crapo (R-Idaho) on Sunday expressed deep sorrow over a deadly shooting at a newly opened In-N-Out restaurant in Twin Falls, describing the state as "heartbroken" in the wake of the violence that claimed three lives and wounded seven others.
"Idaho is heartbroken by the senseless violence that took place in Twin Falls. My deepest condolences are with the families and loved ones of those whose lives were needlessly stolen, and I am praying for the recovery of those who were injured," Crapo wrote in a statement posted to Facebook.
The gunman, identified by police as 24-year-old Chad Williams, died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound, authorities said. The shooting occurred Saturday, just over a week after the fast-food location had opened its doors.
Crapo praised the response of first responders and private citizens who intervened. "I am grateful for the courageous first responders, law enforcement officers, medical personnel and citizens who rushed toward danger to protect and care for others—including those who engaged the shooter and undoubtedly saved more lives," he added.
Local officials reported that two victims were treated for non-life-threatening injuries and released from a hospital, while three remain in stable condition and two are in critical condition. The deceased include an In-N-Out employee, according to the restaurant's owner, Lyndsi Snyder.
In a separate Facebook post, Snyder mourned the loss of her staff member. "My heart is broken, my chest is heavy, my eyes burn from the tears I've shed. We lost one of our beautiful Associates tonight. 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," she wrote, without naming the victim.
Snyder added that the gunman "shot both on our property and off, and ended his life shortly after he took the precious lives of our Associate and Customers, innocent people who never saw it coming." She said In-N-Out would "mourn with the families and pray for them as they tread through a very painful season."
Crapo indicated that federal law enforcement is assisting with the investigation. "Federal law enforcement resources are assisting with the ongoing investigation, and my office stands ready to support any additional requests from local and state authorities," he said. "I continue to pray for the victims, their families, those who responded and the entire Twin Falls community as our state grieves together."
The tragedy has drawn attention to broader issues of gun violence and public safety, echoing other recent incidents such as the Madison police shooting that sparked outcry and ongoing debates over enforcement policies, as seen in questions about ICE vetting after a Maine shooting. The shooting also comes amid heightened political tensions over public safety and federal responses to violence, with some lawmakers facing scrutiny on related issues, such as the House ethics probe into a Texas Republican.
