An armed intervention by a bystander at an In-N-Out Burger location in southern Idaho has earned praise from law enforcement, pointing to his actions as lifesaving during a shooting incident. The Idaho Statesman identified Jordan Salinas, a 35-year-old healthcare worker, as the man who engaged the gunman.
Salinas recounted to the newspaper his experience upon arriving at the restaurant’s parking lot with his girlfriend. Witnessing people fleeing the establishment and hearing gunfire, he decisively moved towards the threat with his semiautomatic pistol ready. Upon locating the gunman at the drive-thru window, firing at vehicles, Salinas took action, firing his weapon.
“There’s a task that needs to be done, and we’re the ones who need to do it,” Salinas reportedly told the newspaper, expressing he felt “no fear” during the confrontation.
The tragic event resulted in four fatalities, including the gunman, alongside seven injuries. Authorities reported varying conditions among the injured: two individuals were hospitalized and released, three remain stable, while two are critically hurt.
Chad Williams, the identified gunman, succumbed to a self-inflicted gunshot wound, according to police.
Community Heroics
In a Sunday news conference, Twin Falls County Sheriff Jack Johnson highlighted the actions of an off-duty state trooper along with the civilian response. Their engagement with Williams played a critical role in forcing the gunman into cover.
“I want to extend my deepest thanks to the off-duty trooper and the good citizen that engaged the shooter,” Johnson stated. “These people are true heroes in our community, and their actions diverted the shooter, and no doubt saved many lives.”
Twin Falls Police Chief Matthew Hicks shared Johnson’s sentiment, acknowledging their efforts helped prevent additional casualties. “We believe their actions helped drive the suspect away from the scene, preventing further casualties. We want to take a moment and commend the actions of the off-duty officer and the citizen, and their heroic action to stop this incident.”
Examination of Motive
The investigation proceeds as detectives work to establish Williams’ motives, emphasizing the cooperation from his family.
“At this time, we are still working to determine the full set of circumstances in this incident, including the suspect’s actions and possible motivations,” Hicks declared. “The Williams family has been notified and they are fully cooperating with law enforcement.”
Authorities have reached out for witness assistance to further illuminate details surrounding this case.
Salinas, as reported, began his firearms training following a shooting in Boise, Idaho, back in 2021. Concerned about “soft targets” and protective measures for his wheelchair-bound brother, Salinas dedicated weekends to shooting practice. He acknowledged this incident was his first time aiming his firearm at a human threat.
Support and Reflection
Salinas offered gratitude via Facebook for community support following this experience, emphasizing his ongoing contemplation about the event. He encourages thoughts and prayers for the victims’ families.
Among the casualties was an employee at In-N-Out Burger, confirmed by Lynsi Snyder, the restaurant chain’s owner.
“My heart is broken, my chest is heavy, my eyes burn from the tears I’ve shed. We lost one of our beautiful Associates tonight,” Snyder expressed in a statement, mourning the loss.
Snyder vowed ongoing support for the families through their grieving process. In response to the tragedy, In-N-Out Chief Operating Officer Denny Warnick extended condolences and assured cooperation with local authorities in the investigation. The Twin Falls location, relatively new, had opened recently on July 24 amid brand expansion efforts in Idaho.
For further developments, the public is advised to stay updated as the investigation unfolds.
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