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The In-N-Out restaurant at the center of a horrific rampage in Idaho that left three dead reopened Friday as the community recovers from the tragedy — while one hero who distracted the shooter reveals his side of the story.
On Aug. 1, gunman Chad Williams killed two people and wounded seven others before turning his gun on himself. He began opening fire inside the In-N-Out around 2 p.m. before the massacre spilled out to the parking lot, police said.
The Twin Falls location reopened last night “with thoughtful consideration, respect, and care,” the company said in a statement.
“We remain focused on honoring the precious lives lost, supporting those affected, and expressing our gratitude to the many individuals whose courage and compassion brought strength and hope to so many during this incredibly difficult time,” the fast food chain said.
Lynsi Snyder, the owner of In-N-Out, thanked the local police departments, the fire department, paramedics, hospital workers and other first responders for their help. She also singled out three individuals amid reports of multiple people who intervened in the shooting.
“We also want to recognize the extraordinary actions of an off-duty Idaho State Trooper and the two courageous citizens whose bravery helped distract and drive the suspect away, preventing further loss of life and injury,” she said. “Their heroic actions undoubtedly protected others from harm.”
One of those heroes was Braxton Steube, who encountered the gunman on a walking trail. Video footage shows him talking to Williams, holding a menacing gun in his hands, as Williams approached him.
Steube continues talking to him as Williams walks past him. The gunman then fires a shot at Steube before running off. The shot fortunately missed, but those seconds where Wiliams was distracted helped In-N-Out employees evacuate.
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Steube recounted his conversation with the gunman to KMVT.
“I said, ‘I have a family.’ I said, ‘You don’t have to do this. I’ll tell you whatever you want. I’ll do anything.’ He started to like tear up a bit, it seemed. And he said to me, ‘Just get away from me, man,’” the bystander recalled.
He said the moment for him has been difficult to understand, and in the moment, he was paralyzed with fear.
“I saw the gun and I kind of just froze. I put my hands up and that’s when he pointed the gun directly at me,” Stuebe said.
“It was a terrifying and traumatic experience that I am still processing,” Steube wrote in a Facebook post. “While I am physically safe, my heart is heavy for our community and for everyone whose lives were changed forever.”
Other heroes in the incident included a man who fired back at the criminal and multiple people who went in to render aid. Multiple former or off-duty law enforcement officers also attempted to subdue Williams.
A motive for the shooting remains unclear, though The Post reported the shooter was a college dropout who previously railed against crime in chilling X posts.
Snyder ended her statement on the reopening of the restaurant with a Bible verse: “He heals the brokenhearted And binds up their wounds.”
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