3 Dead, Others Injured In Idaho In-N-Out Shooting; Survivor Speaks: 'Angels Helped Us Get To Safety'

TWIN FALLS, IDAHO — Three people were killed and others injured during a shooting that left scores terrified at an In-N-Out in Twin Falls, Idaho, on Saturday, officials said.

The shooting took place around 2: 29 p.m. Videos from the scene depict crowds running from the popular eatery in the parking lot.

Subscribe

"Today is a tragic day," Matthew Hicks, chief of police at the Twin Falls Police Department, said in a press briefing.

Hicks said officers responded to the scene after shots were fired at the recently opened In-N-Out on Blue Lakes Boulevard.

Multiple agencies responded, he said.

"It was a very chaotic scene," Hicks said. "What I can tell you at this time is that we've had a shooting at the In-N-Out location that has resulted in fatalities."

Hicks said he did not have the exact number confirmed and that notifications were still being made to next of kin.

Twin Falls spokesperson Josh Palmer confirmed to NBC News that three people were dead and others injured.

Hicks said, "a number of people were being treated for injuries at our local hospital here."

He added, "We believe that the threat to the community is over. The suspected shooter in this incident is deceased."

The shooter was nearby. Officials are working to determine his identity and motivation, Hicks said.

Representatives for In-N-Out did not immediately return a request for comment.

The shootings rocked the community, Hicks said, with "literally hundreds of people that were in some way, shape or form in that area of this restaurant at the time, that are being interviewed right now."

The public is also asked to come forward with any information, Hicks said.

"This situation is contained and we do not feel there is any further threat to our public," said Twin Falls County Sheriff Jack Johnson. "Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims, their families and everyone who was witness to this senseless tragedy. Please be patient as multiple law enforcement and emergency responders work through this."

Resources from across the state and nation are being utilized to help, Hicks said.

"You should also know that the men and women in law enforcement, your fire service, your ambulance workers, they have performed at their highest levels today. This is the most chaotic scene that many of them will ever have in their careers. They rose to their training... and you should be very proud of the women and men that worked for all of you at this exceptionally chaotic scene on a Saturday afternoon here in Twin Falls, at one of the most of the busiest locations in all of southern Idaho," Hicks said.

The Twin Falls Police Department also issued a public safety alert, stating there was an "active shooter incident" and asking all to avoid the area so officers and first responders could work safely.

All roads in the area, including a nearby bridge, were closed during the investigation.

Nayeli Rodriguez, a mom who was inside In-N-Out with her daughters when the shooting began, shared her heart-stopping experience with Patch.

"We were waiting for our food, and we were looking for a place to sit — and then we heard shots," she said. "It was just one at the time, and then it became a lot."

"People were yelling, 'Get down!'" she said. "A lot of people left. We stayed inside because we thought we would get shot. We were the last ones to get out because we thought the shooter was in the kitchen — but he was at the drive-through."

Rodriguez described moments that will forever be etched in her heart and mind.

"We hid under a table, and an older man was protecting us," she said. "I hope he's safe now."

In addition, there was a family just about 5 feet away.

"The little girl was so scared," she said. "Finally, we ran out — and then, some angels helped us to get to safety."

In the melee, Rodriguez said she left her car behind.

A video posted of the "chilling" scene showed Rodriguez and her daughters racing out of the eatery, with Rodriguez clutching her daughters' hands tightly.