Police in Twin Falls, Idaho, are investigating why a 24-year-old gunman, Chad Williams, opened fire at a crowded In-N-Out Burger on Saturday, August 1st, 2026, killing three people and injuring seven others before taking his own life. The shooting ended after an armed bystander and an off-duty Idaho state trooper returned fire, actions credited with preventing further casualties.

Twin Falls Police Chief Matthew Hicks stated on Sunday, August 2nd, that investigators are confident Williams acted alone but have yet to determine a motive or fully trace his movements prior to the attack. "We believe their actions helped drive the suspect away from the scene, preventing further casualties," Hicks said, commending the off-duty officer and the citizen for their heroic intervention.

Although authorities have not publicly identified the trooper or the bystander, the Idaho Statesman reported on Jordan Salinas, 35, of Kimberly, Idaho, who was armed with a FN Five-seveN semi-automatic pistol fitted with a suppressor. Salinas, described as a healthcare worker and full-time caregiver of his wheelchair-bound brother, told the paper he began gun training after a 2021 shooting incident. He recounted how he was able to "observe," "orient," and "decide" that Williams was the shooter before acting decisively.

Twin Falls County Sheriff Jack Johnson praised the pair, stating, "These people are true heroes in our community."

Witnesses described the chaotic scene: Lane Koehn, 34, said he was stopped at a traffic light near the restaurant when he saw a man carrying an AR-style rifle emerge from the drive-thru. Twin Falls resident Haley Dodaro recalled waiting in the drive-thru with her mother when they saw workers running from the restaurant and people fleeing across the road.

The gunman was reportedly shocked by the armed response, according to Salinas.

Authorities continue to work on the investigation to uncover the motive behind the attack.

Sources