An In-N-Out Burger in Twin Falls, Idaho, became the scene of a deadly shooting Saturday afternoon when a gunman killed three people and wounded seven others before taking his own life. Twin Falls Police Chief Matthew Hicks identified the assailant as 24-year-old Chad Williams. Investigators are continuing to work to establish a motive for the attack and trace Williams' movements prior to the incident.
Authorities credited an armed citizen and an off-duty Idaho state trooper with returning fire on Williams, an action they believe diverted him and prevented further casualties. Police have not publicly identified the trooper or the armed citizen, but the Idaho Statesman reported the citizen to be Jordan Salinas, 35, of Kimberly, Idaho. Salinas, who stated he had taken up firearms training after a 2021 shooting, described the gunman as surprised by the retaliatory gunfire.
"He did not like it when bullets started firing both ways," Salinas told the Statesman, adding that he only ceased firing when law enforcement took control of the scene. Twin Falls County Sheriff Jack Johnson remarked that both the citizen and the trooper were "true heroes in our community" who "diverted the shooter and without a doubt saved many lives."
Williams was found dead from a self-inflicted gunshot wound near the restaurant, according to police. His family is cooperating with investigators, who are examining his activities leading up to the shooting and whether any victims were specifically targeted.
Of the seven individuals injured, two remained in critical condition as of Sunday, three were listed as stable, and two had been treated and released. An In-N-Out employee was among the three fatalities, company owner Lynsi Snyder confirmed. Snyder stated the employee was caring for customers at the time of the attack and expressed her company's grief and support for the victims' families.
Witnesses described a chaotic scene. One person at a nearby traffic light reported seeing a man emerge from the drive-thru with an AR-style rifle, followed by another man armed with a handgun who began firing at the rifle-wielding suspect. Another witness saw an In-N-Out employee dragging a wounded co-worker across the parking lot.
The shooting occurred in a busy commercial area. Customers and employees inside the restaurant reported hearing gunfire, with one employee urging patrons to take cover. One injured individual, a taxi driver, was reportedly shot twice in the back while charging his vehicle near the restaurant and is expected to face a lengthy recovery.
Salinas posted a message on social media thanking those who have reached out, stating his focus remains on the victims and their families. He indicated he would share a more detailed account of the events when he is able.
The FBI has requested the public submit any photographs or videos from the incident, and Twin Falls police are urging anyone with information to contact investigators.