A civilian, identified as 35-year-old Jordan Salinas, who confronted the gunman in a deadly shooting at an In-N-Out restaurant in Twin Falls, Idaho, had trained for such a scenario after witnessing another mass shooting.
Salinas, a healthcare worker and caregiver for his brother, was at the restaurant with his girlfriend on Saturday when the shooting began. He reported hearing what he initially thought was a kitchen fire before recognizing the sound of gunfire. Operating on instinct, he drew his FN Five-Seven pistol and approached the sound.
According to the Idaho Statesman, Salinas employed the military's "Observe, Orient, Decide Act" strategy. Video footage showed him moving toward the restaurant, using In-N-Out signs and shrubs for cover. From his vantage point, he saw the gunman, identified as 24-year-old Chad Williams, aiming a rifle at vehicles and firing.
Salinas fired a shot, marking the first time he had aimed his weapon at a person. He stated that the gunman reacted to the return fire. An off-duty sheriff's deputy, who was also a customer, also returned fire.
Williams then moved to an open parking lot at a visitor center, where he later died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. The incident resulted in two fatalities and seven injuries. Authorities credit Salinas and the deputy with potentially saving lives by diverting the shooter.
"These people are true heroes in our community," Twin Falls County Sheriff Jack Johnson said of the two individuals who returned fire. "They diverted the shooter and without a doubt saved many lives."
Salinas later stood down as law enforcement arrived, believing his role was complete. He explained that after witnessing a 2021 mass shooting at the Boise Towne Square mall, he recognized that gunmen often target "soft targets." Considering his role as a caregiver, he felt it was crucial to be prepared for such an event.