TWIN FALLS, Idaho — The community of Twin Falls is grappling with the aftermath of a harrowing mass shooting that took place outside a local In-N-Out restaurant this past Saturday. As the investigation into the violence unfolds, the families of those affected are beginning to speak out, providing harrowing details of the chaos while simultaneously pleading with the public to exercise caution regarding the spread of unverified information across social media platforms.
Among the survivors is Terry Dudley, a manager for North Star Taxi, who was reportedly charging one of the company’s electric vehicles at the time of the attack. His son, Michael Dudley, recounted that his father managed to reach out for help shortly after being shot in the back and sustaining multiple upper-body injuries. A family friend, Lindsay, who arrived at the scene amid the gunfire, described a desperate environment where emergency personnel struggled to reach victims due to the surrounding blockage, forcing bystanders to improvise medical aid using whatever items were available, including floor mats from nearby vehicles.
The situation was compounded by the speed at which misinformation traveled online in the immediate wake of the gunfire. Lindsay expressed shock and frustration after discovering that social media users had begun circulating false reports regarding Terry’s condition, including the creation of a premature obituary while he was still hospitalized in Boise fighting for his life. Both Lindsay and Michael Dudley emphasized that these digital rumors have caused significant, unnecessary trauma for a family already struggling to cope with the reality of a life-altering tragedy.
Law enforcement officials have echoed these concerns, formally requesting that the public refrain from sharing unconfirmed reports that have hindered the investigative process. The Twin Falls Police Department specifically addressed the spread of false accusations against a local man named Amer Mandzic, who was erroneously identified by internet users as the shooter. Authorities clarified that Mandzic had no involvement in the incident and warned that any further harassment, intimidation, or threats directed toward him or his family could lead to serious criminal charges.
As the community looks for answers, the focus remains on the long road to recovery for victims like Terry Dudley. A GoFundMe campaign has been established by a coworker and friend, James Palmer, to assist the Dudley family with the mounting medical expenses associated with Terry’s specialized care. While the identities of other victims have not yet been released by officials, the stories emerging from survivors highlight the profound impact this act of violence has had on the quiet city of Twin Falls.
The incident remains an active, ongoing investigation, and authorities are continuing to urge residents to rely on official channels for updates. By cutting through the noise of social media speculation, officials hope to provide clarity for the affected families and ensure that the investigation proceeds without the interference of malicious or inaccurate narratives. For now, the people of Twin Falls are being asked to extend patience to those currently navigating the physical and emotional scars left by Saturday’s events.