US: Idaho fast-food shooting suspect dies of self-inflicted gunshot wound

The suspect in a shooting at an In-N-Out Burger restaurant in southern Idaho that left three people dead and seven others injured died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

The suspect, identified as 24-year-old Chad Williams, acted alone in Saturday's shooting in Twin Falls, Police Chief Matthew Hicks said at a news conference.

Two of the seven injured people were treated at a hospital and released, while three were in stable condition and two remained in critical condition, authorities said.

Hicks said an off-duty state trooper and an armed civilian returned fire and helped force the gunman away from the scene, potentially preventing further casualties.

"We believe their actions helped drive the suspect away from the scene, preventing further casualties," Hicks said, praising the two for their actions.

Investigators are still working to establish a motive for the shooting, while Williams' family is cooperating with authorities, the police chief said.

The FBI urged members of the public to submit photographs and videos related to the shooting as the investigation continued.

One of those killed was an employee of the restaurant, In-N-Out owner Lynsi Snyder said in a statement. The company has not released the employee's identity.

The restaurant had opened only about a week earlier, on July 24, as part of the California-based fast-food chain's expansion into Idaho.

Authorities were still notifying relatives of the victims and had not released the names or other details of those killed or injured.

Police responding to the shooting found the suspected gunman's body near the restaurant, officials said.

The shooting occurred around 2 pm in a busy shopping plaza where hundreds of people were present. Witnesses described a chaotic scene as people fled the restaurant and surrounding area.

Lane Koehn, 34, who was near the restaurant, said he saw a man carrying an AR-style rifle emerge from the drive-through before another man with a pistol fired at him.

A video recorded from across the street showed a person dressed in black approaching a white car with a long rifle, opening the driver's door and then checking the boot, according to the report.

Witnesses said restaurant employees helped people take cover after the shooting began.

Nayeli Rodriguez, 40, who was inside the restaurant with her daughters, said she heard gunshots coming from the kitchen before an employee told customers to get down. Police said they are continuing to investigate the shooting and determine what led to the attack.