A mass shooting erupted at an In‑N‑Out Burger in Twin Falls, Idaho, on Saturday afternoon, leaving three people dead and seven injured. The gunman, identified as 24‑year‑old Chad Williams, opened fire with an AR‑style rifle around 2 p.m. before moving into the parking lot amid chaotic scenes.
Jordan Salinas, a 35‑year‑old healthcare worker, was in the restaurant with his girlfriend when he observed a crowd fleeing the exit. Mistaking the rush for a kitchen fire, he heard gunfire and instinctively drew his semi‑automatic pistol, advancing toward the source of the shots.
Salinas positioned himself behind a white vehicle outside the restaurant and fired a round at Williams, marking the first time he aimed his weapon at a living target. The shooter returned fire, prompting Salinas to duck while continuing to engage.
An off‑duty police officer who was a customer at the establishment also exited the drive‑through and joined the exchange of fire, targeting the shooter from the parking lot. Both Salinas and the officer directed gunfire at Williams, creating a cross‑fire that disrupted the attack.
Williams later died from a self‑inflicted gunshot wound. Authorities indicated that the combined actions of Salinas and the off‑duty officer prevented a higher casualty count.
The Twin Falls County Sheriff described Salinas and the officer as heroes who diverted the shooter and saved numerous lives. The sheriff emphasized the community’s gratitude for their decisive response.
Salinas had previously trained for active‑shooter scenarios after witnessing a 2021 mass shooting at a Boise mall, where two people were killed. He recognized the pattern of the gunman targeting “soft targets,” a concern he shared with his wheelchair‑bound brother, Michael.
Among the deceased was an In‑N‑Out employee, while two additional victims remain unidentified. The wounded include taxi driver Terry Dudley, who was shot twice in the back while entering his vehicle.
Following the incident, Salinas posted a message of thanks to family, friends, and supporters, acknowledging the overwhelming response he received. He pledged to provide a fuller account of the events when possible, while expressing solidarity with the victims and their families.
