Key Facts
- Incident
- Shooting at In-N-Out in Twin Falls, Idaho
- Gunman
- Chad Williams, 24
- Civilian responder
- Jordan Salinas, 35
- Casualties
- Three killed, seven injured
- Police statement
- Off-duty officer and civilian actions likely saved lives
- Motive
- Remains unclear
Background
On Saturday afternoon, a shooting occurred at an In-N-Out restaurant in Twin Falls, Idaho. The gunman, identified as Chad Williams, 24, opened fire on people with an AK-style rifle, according to police.
Jordan Salinas, 35, pulled into the parking lot as he was headed out for a horseback riding date with his girlfriend. He arrived around the same time Williams began firing, according to The Daily Mail.
Salinas told the Idaho Statesman that he immediately saw people running before realizing they were fleeing from a gunman. He said he had an 'automatic' and 'mechanical' response, running toward the gunman after reaching for his shoulder holster and pulling out a semi-automatic pistol.
Current Situation
Salinas told ABC News that the shooter appeared to be 'unusually comfortable' while aiming his rifle at people, but his demeanor changed when Salinas began firing. 'As soon as some rounds started coming at him, everything changed immediately. All that bravado he had immediately crumbled,' Salinas said.
He told the Idaho Statesman that the shooter 'did not like when bullets started firing both ways.' Williams killed three people and injured seven more before turning the gun on himself and dying from a gunshot wound.
Twin Falls Police Chief Matthew Hicks said on Sunday that an off-duty police officer also fired at Williams, and he and Salinas's decisive actions likely saved the lives of others. '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,' Hicks said during a press conference on Sunday. 'We believe their actions helped drive the suspect away from the scene, preventing further casualties.'
Impacts
The police chief said that authorities are 'confident' that Williams acted alone, but a motive for the shooting remains unclear. The shooting has had a profound impact on the community and the victims' families.
Two of the three people who were killed have been identified as In-N-Out employee Ashley Garibay, 23, of Stockton, Calif., and Christopher Claunch, 59, an employee at Renaissance Ranch Recovery Center. Of the seven injured, two were taken to the hospital and later released. Meanwhile, three others were stable after the shooting, and the remaining two remain in critical condition.
Salinas posted on Facebook on Sunday about the previous 'overwhelming' 24 hours. 'I want to sincerely thank my family, friends, and everyone who has reached out with messages, prayers, and support... they mean more to me than I can put into words,' he said. 'My heart remains with the victims, their families, and everyone affected by yesterday's tragedy. Thank you for continuing to keep them in your thoughts and prayers.'
Future Outlook
Scenario analysis: The possibilities below are not certain predictions.
Salinas is a healthcare worker and full-time caregiver for his disabled brother. He told the Idaho Statesman that he started self-defense training five years ago after the 2021 shooting at the Boise Towne Square Mall that left two dead and four others injured. He said the shooting made him realize that gunmen often go after 'soft targets,' such as people like his wheelchair-bound brother and the aide by his side.
He practices shooting on the weekends and does his own training in the desert. Before Saturday, Salinas said that he had never pointed his gun at a human and never thought he would have to.
If the investigation continues, authorities may release more details about the motive. If Salinas and the off-duty officer had not acted, the casualty count could have been higher. The community may see increased security measures at public places, but such steps remain speculative.
Source: wjla.com
