Investigators in Twin Falls, Idaho, have not determined why a 24-year-old gunman opened fire at a crowded In-N-Out Burger on Saturday, Aug. 1. Three people were killed and seven others were wounded before the suspect died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Police said the suspect, Chad Williams, acted alone. An armed citizen and an off-duty Idaho state trooper returned fire, helping divert the attacker and end the assault.
Authorities were still reviewing the suspect’s movements and activities before the shooting, including whether any victims were deliberately targeted. The armed citizen, Jordan Salinas, 35, of Kimberly, Idaho, later described how he responded after seeing the gunman fire inside the restaurant.
| 1) | Police search for a motive |
| 2) | Armed responders confront the gunman |
| 3) | Victims and survivors face the aftermath |
| 4) | Attack triggers panic at busy restaurant |
| 5) | Investigators seek public evidence |
Police search for a motive
Twin Falls Police Chief Matthew Hicks said Sunday that investigators were confident Williams acted alone, but detectives had not established a motive. Police were examining his actions before the shooting and determining whether the victims had any connection to him. Williams was found dead near the restaurant after the attack, which occurred in a busy commercial area where hundreds of customers, employees and shoppers were believed to be present.
Williams’ family was cooperating with authorities, according to Hicks. Officials had not released the identities of the three people killed while they worked to notify relatives. One of the dead was an In-N-Out employee, according to company owner Lynsi Snyder.
Armed responders confront the gunman
Police said both an armed citizen and an off-duty state trooper fired at Williams during the fast-moving attack. Their actions redirected the gunman’s attention away from the restaurant as customers and employees fled, officials said. Sheriff Jack Johnson of Twin Falls County said the two responders likely prevented additional deaths.
“We believe their actions helped drive the suspect away from the scene, preventing further casualties,” Hicks said.
Jordan Salinas, a healthcare worker and full-time caregiver for his wheelchair-bound brother, told an Idaho newspaper that he began firearms training after a 2021 shooting. He said he observed the situation, identified the gunman and decided to act. His girlfriend was inside the restaurant, where she was caught in Williams’ line of fire.
“He did not like it when bullets started firing both ways,” Salinas said.
Salinas said he stopped when police took control of the scene, believing his role was complete. He later urged the public to focus on the victims, their families and others affected by the tragedy.
Victims and survivors face the aftermath
Seven people were injured, officials said. Two remained in critical condition Sunday, three were listed as stable and two had been treated and released. A taxi driver, Terry Dudley, was shot twice in the back while charging his Tesla near the restaurant. His taxi company said he survived but faced a lengthy recovery.
Witnesses described employees helping injured colleagues and customers escaping through the parking lot. An In-N-Out employee was reportedly dragged to safety after suffering a chest wound. The company said it was supporting victims, employees and their families.
“My heart is broken, my chest is heavy, my eyes burn from the tears I’ve shed,” Snyder said.
Attack triggers panic at busy restaurant
The shooting began Saturday afternoon at the recently opened restaurant. Witness Lane Koehn said he was stopped at a nearby traffic light when he saw a man carrying an AR-style rifle emerge from the drive-thru. He then saw another man with a handgun fire at the shooter.
Customers described confusion as workers ran from the building and people crossed the road. Haley Dodaro said she and her mother were waiting in the drive-thru when they initially thought a fire had started. Nayeli Rodriguez, who was inside with her daughters, said an employee told customers to get down. An older man helped shield them before they escaped in a vehicle offered by bystanders.
Investigators seek public evidence
The FBI asked members of the public to submit photographs and video recorded during the attack. Twin Falls police also requested information from witnesses and anyone who may have relevant footage. Investigators are using those materials, along with interviews and the suspect’s known activities, to build a complete timeline.
Authorities have not said when the investigation into the motive will be complete. Police have warned that social media posts incorrectly identifying another person should not be treated as confirmed information.
| Number | Key Point |
|---|---|
| 1 | Three people were killed and seven were injured. |
| 2 | Police said Chad Williams acted alone and died by suicide. |
| 3 | An armed citizen and an off-duty trooper returned fire. |
| 4 | The motive and possible victim targeting remain under investigation. |
Summary
The Twin Falls shooting left three people dead, injured seven others and prompted an armed response from a citizen and an off-duty state trooper. Police have identified the suspect and said he acted alone, but the reason for the attack remains unknown. Investigators are seeking public video and witness information while families and the local community cope with the loss.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened at the Twin Falls restaurant?
A gunman opened fire at a crowded In-N-Out Burger on Aug. 1, killing three people and wounding seven others before dying from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
Has police identified a motive?
No. Investigators were examining the suspect’s activities and movements and had not determined why he opened fire.
Who returned fire?
An armed citizen, identified as Jordan Salinas, and an off-duty Idaho state trooper fired at the suspect, according to authorities.
