08/04/2026
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Armed Citizen Praised for Confronting Idaho In-N-Out Gunman, Possibly Preventing More Deaths.
Twin Falls, Idaho - Friends Community News Group, Aug. 3, 2026 - A lawfully armed civilian who returned fire during the deadly shooting at a Twin Falls In-N-Out Burger is being credited by police with helping drive the rifle-wielding gunman away from the crowded restaurant, potentially preventing additional deaths.
The civilian, identified as Jordan Salinas, said he began taking fi****ms and self-defense training seriously following the October 2021 mass shooting at Boise Towne Square mall. Two people were killed and four others were wounded in that attack before the gunman later died from his injuries.
That preparation became critical Saturday afternoon when 24-year-old Chad Williams allegedly opened fire at the newly opened In-N-Out along Blue Lakes Boulevard. Three victims were killed and seven others were wounded. Williams later died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound, according to Twin Falls police.
Witness video and police accounts indicate that the armed civilian drew a handgun and fired at Williams as the suspect moved through the busy restaurant and parking area carrying an AR-style rifle.
An off-duty Idaho State Police trooper also confronted and fired at the gunman.
Twin Falls Police Chief Matthew Hicks called their intervention heroic and said investigators believe the return fire changed the direction of the attack.
“We believe their actions helped drive the suspect away from the scene, preventing further casualties,” Hicks said. Police said the two men diverted Williams from the restaurant, where hundreds of customers, employees and motorists were in the surrounding shopping area.
Witness Lane Koehn told The Associated Press that he saw a man armed with a pistol firing at the rifleman. After the confrontation, the armed civilian remained at the scene and joined others helping a critically wounded In-N-Out employee until paramedics arrived.
The incident provides a stark example of how a trained and responsible gun owner can make a difference when an attack unfolds faster than uniformed officers can arrive.
The civilian did not recklessly pursue the shooter or fire indiscriminately; based on the information released so far, he confronted an immediate deadly threat and then helped the wounded.
Although some online accounts have described Salinas as a concealed-carry permit holder, authorities have not confirmed his permit status. Idaho does not require most eligible adults to obtain a permit before carrying a concealed firearm, though voluntary regular and enhanced licenses are available.
The civilian’s shots apparently did not kill Williams, and investigators are still reconstructing the sequence of events.
However, police have been clear about the significance of the intervention: an armed citizen and an off-duty trooper forced the attacker away from a packed restaurant and may have saved lives.
The tragedy still claimed three innocent victims and left two of the wounded in critical condition. Yet in the middle of the chaos, someone with the training, ability and willingness to act was present — and police believe his actions kept an already horrific attack from becoming even worse.
By: Tom Manke
