The armed civilian credited with helping stop a deadly shooting at an In-N-Out Burger in Twin Falls, Idaho, has revealed that he began preparing for exactly such a situation after witnessing the impact of another mass shooting five years ago.
Jordan Salinas, 35, said the 2021 attack at Boise Towne Square Mall convinced him that active shooters often target vulnerable public spaces.
The incident motivated him to dedicate years to firearms practice and self-defense training, a decision that unexpectedly became life-saving during Saturday’s attack.
Ordinary Afternoon Turned Into a Deadly Emergency
Salinas said he was heading to a horseback riding date with his girlfriend when he arrived at the restaurant parking lot shortly before 2:30 p.m.
At nearly the same moment, authorities say 24-year-old Chad Williams began firing an AR-style rifle at customers gathered around the restaurant.
As panic spread through the parking lot, Salinas initially saw people fleeing before realizing an active shooter was responsible.
According to his account, his response became instinctive as he reached for the handgun in his shoulder holster and moved toward the threat instead of away from it.
Police said an off-duty law enforcement officer also returned fire during the attack.
Years of Preparation Led to Split-Second Response
Salinas explained that his reaction was shaped by years of preparation rather than impulse.
A healthcare worker who also serves as the full-time caregiver for his disabled brother, he said the possibility of vulnerable people becoming victims inspired him to train consistently.
He regularly practiced shooting on weekends and conducted additional drills in the desert.
Despite carrying a firearm for years, Salinas said he had never before pointed it at another person and never expected to face such a situation in real life.
Reflecting on the confrontation, he said the gunman appeared to lose momentum once shots were being fired in both directions.
Police Praise Civilian and Off-Duty Trooper
Twin Falls Police Chief Matthew Hicks commended both Salinas and the unnamed off-duty trooper for intervening during the attack.
According to Hicks, investigators believe their actions forced the gunman away from the crowded area, limiting the number of victims and preventing additional casualties.
Authorities have also stated they are confident Williams acted alone.
Public Statement Focuses on Victims
After the shooting, Salinas addressed the overwhelming public response in a Facebook message, expressing gratitude to those who had offered support.
He said he intended to share a fuller account of the incident later but emphasized that his immediate thoughts remained with the victims, their families, and everyone affected by the tragedy.
Witness Describes Gunman’s Reaction
Eyewitness Lane Koehn told NBC News that he watched the armed civilian exchange gunfire with the suspect.
According to Koehn, Williams appeared confused and increasingly erratic as he tried to determine where to move next while being fired upon.
The witness said the confrontation diverted the gunman’s attention, allowing numerous people trapped in the drive-thru line to escape.
He recalled that vehicles directly ahead of him were being struck by gunfire, but the civilian’s actions created a critical opportunity for others to flee.
Three Dead and Several Others Injured
Authorities confirmed that three people were killed in the attack, including an In-N-Out employee whose death was announced by company President Lynsi Snyder.
Seven additional people suffered injuries.
Two victims were treated at a hospital and later released, while three remained in stable condition.
Two others continued to receive critical medical care.
Williams later died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound, police said.
Victims and Community Continue to Recover
One of the identified victims, Terry Dudley, survived the shooting but suffered serious injuries after being shot twice in the back while charging his Tesla nearby.
His employer, North Star Taxi, described his recovery as a long and difficult journey and temporarily suspended operations following the tragedy.
A fundraising campaign for Dudley stated that an ordinary day turned into a devastating nightmare within moments.
In-N-Out President Lynsi Snyder also released an emotional statement mourning the loss of an employee, saying the tragedy had left her heartbroken.
Investigation Continues as Authorities Seek Public Assistance
Investigators from multiple local law enforcement agencies, assisted by the FBI, continue examining the circumstances surrounding the shooting.
Police said Williams’ family has been cooperating fully with investigators, while officials continue notifying the families of those affected.
Authorities have not established a motive for the attack and are asking members of the public to submit photographs, videos, and any other evidence that could assist the ongoing investigation.
