Austin “AJ” Scott James has been publicly identified by his family as the off-duty law enforcement officer who was critically injured while responding to the mass shooting at the In-N-Out Burger in Twin Falls, Idaho, on Saturday, August 1, 2026. While authorities have confirmed that an off-duty officer intervened during the attack, they have not officially released the officer’s identity. James’ family has since shared details of his actions and ongoing recovery.
According to statements released by his family and a GiveSendGo fundraiser, Austin “AJ” Scott James was dining with his wife when gunfire erupted at the Twin Falls In-N-Out Burger. His family says he ran toward the danger to help protect others and was critically wounded after being shot. Authorities have confirmed that an off-duty law enforcement officer was injured while responding to the shooting but have not officially identified the officer by name.
Family Says Austin James Ran Toward Danger to Help Others
Following the shooting, Austin’s father, Marcus Scott, shared an emotional statement describing the events that unfolded.
According to Marcus Scott, his son immediately reacted after hearing gunfire.
“My son Austin AJ Scott was shot while responding to an active shooter incident. When he heard gunfire, he made the courageous decision to move toward the danger in an effort to help protect others.”
The family said James suffered severe injuries after being struck by rifle fire and now faces multiple surgeries, rehabilitation, and a lengthy recovery.
Marcus Scott added that the family is grateful Austin survived.
“We are incredibly thankful that God spared his life and that his wife and friend were there to provide immediate care until he could get to the hospital.”
GiveSendGo Shares Details of the Shooting
A GiveSendGo fundraiser created by the family states that Austin and his wife were sitting in the drive-thru when the shooting began.
According to the fundraiser, Austin instructed his wife and a friend to remain inside the vehicle before moving toward the sound of gunfire.
The fundraiser further states that he did not draw his firearm, reportedly because he did not want responding officers or civilians to mistake him for the attacker.
Family members say that after rounding a corner, Austin encountered the suspected gunman, who allegedly shot him in the arm. The fundraiser says the bullet shattered his humerus and severed an artery, causing life-threatening injuries.
The page also credits Austin’s wife, Connie, and another emergency room nurse with applying lifesaving care before driving him to the hospital, where he underwent emergency surgery.
Police Have Not Officially Named the Officer
Twin Falls Police have confirmed that an off-duty law enforcement officer and an armed citizen intervened during the shooting, saying their actions helped divert the gunman and likely prevented additional casualties.
However, authorities have not officially identified the off-duty officer by name.
The identification of Austin “AJ” Scott James comes from statements made publicly by his family, the GiveSendGo fundraiser, and community members, rather than from an official law enforcement announcement.
Twin Falls Shooting Remains Under Investigation
The shooting occurred at the newly opened In-N-Out Burger in Twin Falls on Saturday afternoon, leaving multiple people dead and others injured before the suspected gunman died.
Investigators continue reviewing surveillance footage, interviewing witnesses, and determining the complete sequence of events.
Officials have urged the public to rely on information released through official channels as the investigation remains active.
Community Rallies Around Austin James
An online GiveSendGo fundraiser has received significant community support to help Austin James and his family with medical expenses, rehabilitation costs, and lost income during his recovery.
Messages of encouragement have poured in from friends, fellow law enforcement officers, and members of the public praising the bravery shown during the tragic incident.
While his recovery is expected to be long, family members remain hopeful and continue asking for prayers as Austin begins the challenging road ahead.
FAQs
Who is Austin “AJ” Scott James?
According to his family, Austin “AJ” Scott James is an off-duty law enforcement officer who was critically injured while responding to the Twin Falls In-N-Out shooting.
Did police officially identify Austin James?
No. Authorities have confirmed that an off-duty officer was injured during the incident but have not officially released the officer’s identity. James’ identification has been made publicly by his family and through their fundraiser.
How was Austin James injured?
According to his family and the GiveSendGo fundraiser, he was shot after moving toward the gunfire in an effort to help protect others during the shooting.
How can people support Austin James?
His family has created a GiveSendGo fundraiser to assist with medical expenses, rehabilitation, lost wages, and recovery costs while he undergoes treatment.
Conclusion
As the Twin Falls community continues to mourn those who lost their lives in the August 1 mass shooting, stories of remarkable bravery have also emerged from the tragedy. According to statements from his family, Austin ‘AJ’ Scott James chose to run toward danger rather than away from it, suffering critical injuries while attempting to protect others. Although police have confirmed that an off-duty officer and an armed civilian helped divert the attacker, the official investigation is still ongoing, and authorities have not publicly identified the officer by name. Even so, the widespread support for Austin, along with continued prayers for his recovery and for all those affected by the shooting, reflects a community determined to honor courage while grieving an immense loss.