The Second Bystander Who Stepped In at Twin Falls In-N-Out Was Described in Just Three Words

| August 3, 2026 | News | No Comments

A seemingly ordinary Saturday at a new In-N-Out Burger in Idaho quickly turned tragic. As investigators continue to piece together the events, stories from survivors, family members, and witnesses are shedding light on the heartbreaking incident, revealing how two strangers intervened to prevent further violence.

On August 1, 2026, authorities reported that 24-year-old Chad Williams opened fire at the Twin Falls In-N-Out Burger, resulting in three fatalities and injuring seven individuals before he took his own life. The restaurant had just opened its doors eight days prior, marking it as the fourth location for the chain in Idaho.

While the investigation into the motive behind the shooting is ongoing, police sources indicated to the New York Times that Chad acted alone, using an AR-style rifle during the assault in the drive-thru and parking area of the restaurant, which began operations on July 24.

Police said Chad Williams acted alone during the shooting at the newly opened Twin Falls In-N-Out Burger. The attack left three people dead and seven others injured before he died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
Police said Chad Williams acted alone during the shooting at the newly opened Twin Falls In-N-Out Burger. The attack left three people dead and seven others injured before he died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

Chaos Unfolded in Moments

The chaos began just before 2:30 p.m. at the intersection of Blue Lakes Boulevard and Fillmore Street, one of the busiest areas in Twin Falls, where hundreds were gathered for a typical Saturday afternoon.

Emergency vehicles surrounded the Twin Falls In-N-Out Burger as investigators began processing the scene following the mass shooting that left three people dead and seven others injured.
Emergency vehicles surrounded the Twin Falls In-N-Out Burger as investigators began processing the scene following the mass shooting that left three people dead and seven others injured.
Police blocked off the area around the Twin Falls In-N-Out Burger after the August 1 shooting, which erupted shortly before 2:30 p.m. at the busy intersection of Blue Lakes Boulevard and Fillmore Street.
Police blocked off the area around the Twin Falls In-N-Out Burger after the August 1 shooting, which erupted shortly before 2:30 p.m. at the busy intersection of Blue Lakes Boulevard and Fillmore Street.

Footage shared on social media depicted people fleeing the parking lot of the shopping center as gunfire rang out nearby. Nayeli Rodriguez, 40, from Burley, was waiting for her food inside with her daughters when the shooting began. “We were trying to escape as quickly as possible when some kind souls allowed us into their car,” she recounted.

Haley Dodaro, a Twin Falls resident, was in the drive-thru with her mother when the situation escalated. Initially, Haley thought there might be a fire when she saw employees running from the building.

Bystanders, including families with children, fled across the shopping center parking lot after gunfire erupted outside the Twin Falls In-N-Out Burger. Witnesses later recalled the terrifying scramble to find safety as customers ran from the restaurant.
Bystanders, including families with children, fled across the shopping center parking lot after gunfire erupted outside the Twin Falls In-N-Out Burger. Witnesses later recalled the terrifying scramble to find safety as customers ran from the restaurant.
Customers who had been inside or near the Twin Falls In-N-Out Burger gathered outside the restaurant moments after gunfire erupted, as frightened witnesses tried to make sense of the unfolding tragedy.
Customers who had been inside or near the Twin Falls In-N-Out Burger gathered outside the restaurant moments after gunfire erupted, as frightened witnesses tried to make sense of the unfolding tragedy.

A man wearing a reflective vest began directing traffic, which ultimately saved their lives. “That’s when we realized there was a shooting happening. People were running out, crying and screaming. It was terrifying,” Haley reflected.

A man in a reflective safety vest directed vehicles away from the danger after gunfire erupted outside the Twin Falls In-N-Out Burger. Witness Haley Dodaro later said that was the moment she realized there was an active shooter.
A man in a reflective safety vest directed vehicles away from the danger after gunfire erupted outside the Twin Falls In-N-Out Burger. Witness Haley Dodaro later said that was the moment she realized there was an active shooter.

Survivors Share Their Experiences as Victims’ Families Speak Out

As investigators worked through the aftermath, the identities of some victims began to surface. Among those injured was 62-year-old Terry Dudley, a taxi driver who was charging his Tesla when he was shot. His son Michael reported to NBC News that Terry was hit in the back and neck area.

Michael shared, “He was just sitting in the car when he got shot, and then another car nearby came under fire as well.” He mentioned that Terry remained intubated but seemed to be on the mend, expressing gratitude for his care.

A GoFundMe campaign described Terry as a dedicated widower whose children are his top priority, and celebrated him as a selfless individual who always puts others first. It highlighted his determination, compassion, and ability to lift others’ spirits during tough times.

Terry Dudley, a Twin Falls taxi driver and father of four, was among those injured after he was shot while charging his Tesla during the August 1 attack.
Terry Dudley, a Twin Falls taxi driver and father of four, was among those injured after he was shot while charging his Tesla during the August 1 attack.
According to Terry Dudley's family, the 62-year-old was struck in the back near his neck while sitting in his vehicle and was later hospitalized in critical condition.
According to Terry Dudley’s family, the 62-year-old was struck in the back near his neck while sitting in his vehicle and was later hospitalized in critical condition.

Terry’s family faces significant financial challenges due to medical expenses, lost income during his recovery, and rehabilitation. The campaign emphasized that the last thing they should worry about while fighting through this ordeal is their finances.

They appealed for help not just for Terry, but for all the victims and families affected by this tragic event, stating, “Our thoughts are with each individual, every survivor, and families mourning those they lost forever.”

Support in any form is requested to alleviate the tremendous burden faced by the families in this challenging time.

A fundraiser launched after the shooting described Terry Dudley as a devoted father whose children "are his world" and said he now faces a long recovery involving surgeries and rehabilitation.
A fundraiser launched after the shooting described Terry Dudley as a devoted father whose children “are his world” and said he now faces a long recovery involving surgeries and rehabilitation.
Organizers said donations will help ease Terry Dudley's medical and financial burden while also supporting other victims and families affected by the Twin Falls In-N-Out shooting.
Organizers said donations will help ease Terry Dudley’s medical and financial burden while also supporting other victims and families affected by the Twin Falls In-N-Out shooting.

Osiris Dudley, another of Terry’s sons, shared a brief message on Facebook, stating, “My dad Terry Dudley was a victim of the mass shooting in Twin Falls, Idaho. I’m asking for your thoughts and prayers for my dad.”

Osiris Dudley, one of Terry Dudley's sons, asked for prayers after revealing on Facebook that his father was among those injured in the Twin Falls, Idaho, mass shooting.
Osiris Dudley, one of Terry Dudley’s sons, asked for prayers after revealing on Facebook that his father was among those injured in the Twin Falls, Idaho, mass shooting.

In a separate account, Marcus Scott revealed how his son, Austin “AJ” Scott, was injured while attempting to aid others during the gunfire. Marcus praised his son’s bravery in moving toward the danger.

Marcus added that Austin faced critical injuries, requiring multiple surgeries and rehabilitation ahead.

Austin "AJ" Scott and his wife, Connie. According to AJ's father, Marcus Scott, AJ was critically injured after making the "courageous decision" to move toward the danger in an effort to help protect others.
Austin “AJ” Scott and his wife, Connie. According to AJ’s father, Marcus Scott, AJ was critically injured after making the “courageous decision” to move toward the danger in an effort to help protect others.

“We are incredibly grateful that he survived and that his wife and a friend were there to provide immediate assistance until he could be hospitalized,” Marcus expressed.

Marcus Scott said his family is grateful AJ survived the shooting, adding that his wife and a friend provided immediate care before he was taken to the hospital.
Marcus Scott said his family is grateful AJ survived the shooting, adding that his wife and a friend provided immediate care before he was taken to the hospital.

He also mentioned that both Austin and his wife would need time off work as he recuperates, asking for prayers and support during this tough period for their family.

Marcus Scott said AJ and his wife, Connie, are expected to spend time away from work during his recovery as the family asked for continued prayers and support.
Marcus Scott said AJ and his wife, Connie, are expected to spend time away from work during his recovery as the family asked for continued prayers and support.

One Brave Bystander Speaks Out

Authorities have acknowledged two individuals who returned fire during the incident and helped to direct the shooter away from the crowded restaurant. One of these heroes was identified as Jordan Salinas, a healthcare professional from Kimberly, Idaho.

The Idaho Statesman reported that Jordan had just arrived for lunch with his girlfriend when he initially mistook the sounds for popping before witnessing the panic as people fled.

Jordan Salinas, a healthcare worker from Kimberly, Idaho, was on his way to lunch with his girlfriend when he heard gunfire erupt at the Twin Falls In-N-Out Burger and ran toward the danger.
Jordan Salinas, a healthcare worker from Kimberly, Idaho, was on his way to lunch with his girlfriend when he heard gunfire erupt at the Twin Falls In-N-Out Burger and ran toward the danger.

Jordan quickly drew his legally owned handgun, drawing on his training from previous years. He stated that the presence of bullets coming from both directions made Chad change his course.

“He didn’t seem to like it when the bullets were coming from both directions,” Jordan recalled. His actions helped push the shooter away from the drive-thru and towards a nearby parking lot where Chad ultimately took his own life, according to officials.

Twin Falls County Sheriff Jack Johnson praised the bravery of the two men who confronted the shooter, stating, “These individuals are true heroes within our community.” He affirmed that their actions diverted the shooter and undoubtedly saved many lives.

The following day, Jordan took to Facebook to share his gratitude. “The last 24 hours have been overwhelming. I want to genuinely thank my family, friends, and everyone who has offered messages, prayers, and support,” he posted. He promised to provide a more detailed account of the events when he was able.

Sheriff Jack Johnson called Jordan Salinas and the off-duty state trooper "true heroes," saying their actions diverted the gunman and "without a doubt saved many lives." A day later, Jordan thanked supporters, saying the previous 24 hours had been "overwhelming."
Sheriff Jack Johnson called Jordan Salinas and the off-duty state trooper “true heroes,” saying their actions diverted the gunman and “without a doubt saved many lives.” A day later, Jordan thanked supporters, saying the previous 24 hours had been “overwhelming.”

“For now, my thoughts remain with the victims, their families, and everyone impacted by yesterday’s tragedy,” he concluded his post, expressing appreciation for the continued support.

As Jordan’s courageous actions gained attention on social media, images of him began circulating. Author Larry Correia highlighted the original image after seeing a modified version, stating, “I saw an AI ‘enhanced’ photo first. Here’s the real one.”

The Other Hero Identified with Three Words

Jordan was not the sole individual credited with confronting the shooter. Authorities have yet to reveal the identity of the second person who returned fire, instead referring to him simply as an “off-duty state trooper.”

Police indicated that both the armed citizen and the off-duty state trooper returned fire, successfully diverting Chad away from the restaurant, which likely helped prevent further casualties.

Eyewitness Accounts of the Gunman

As the investigation continues, eyewitnesses have shared their perspectives on the shooter’s actions. Lane Koehn, a construction worker, mentioned to the New York Times that the assailant appeared disorganized throughout the shooting. Observing the gunman in the parking lot left him with one strong impression: “he was panicking.”

Lane described how the gunman seemed frantic, running while wielding his rifle and firing shots. He also recounted the urgent efforts to assist an injured In-N-Out employee before help arrived. After parking across from the restaurant, he witnessed one employee dragging a colleague who had been shot in the chest.

Construction worker Lane Koehn witnessed the Twin Falls shooting and later told investigators the gunman's actions left him with one lasting impression: "he was panicking."
Construction worker Lane Koehn witnessed the Twin Falls shooting and later told investigators the gunman’s actions left him with one lasting impression: “he was panicking.”

The employee was frantically calling out for help, shouting, ‘Wake up.’ … She was in and out of consciousness,” Lane recalled. “She would briefly respond and then lose awareness again.”

Lane mentioned that a retired EMT who happened to be in the area rushed to assist and managed to keep the injured employee stable until the ambulance arrived, adding that when emergency services showed up, “it felt like they got the victim out in just seconds.”

In a statement on social media, In-N-Out Burger President Lyndi Snyder confirmed the death of one employee during the incident. “We lost one of our cherished associates tonight,” she expressed. “She dedicated her life to our customers, and her life was taken by a despicable individual who disregards the lives of others as well as his own.”

Lyndi did not disclose the name of the employee.

Lane Koehn recalled that the gunman "was not very calm and collected," adding that he saw bystanders rush to help an injured In-N-Out employee while a retired paramedic treated her until emergency crews arrived.
Lane Koehn recalled that the gunman “was not very calm and collected,” adding that he saw bystanders rush to help an injured In-N-Out employee while a retired paramedic treated her until emergency crews arrived.

The Suspect’s Family Faces Their Own Challenges

While investigations continue, police stated that Chad’s family has been fully cooperative. Chief Hicks noted that they have been informed and are assisting in the inquiry.

He also shared the family’s response to the tragedy, saying, “Their hearts are also broken,” as reported by CBS News.

The Twin Falls Police Department assured residents that law enforcement resources remain fully operational despite the extensive investigation. In a community statement, they indicated that those seeking assistance may see officers from neighboring agencies respond.

“Even in light of yesterday’s event, we want to reassure you that law enforcement services are still here for our community,” the statement emphasized. “We are here if you need us.”