TWIN FALLS, Idaho - As Twin Falls continues to grieve the shooting that left three people dead at a newly opened In-N-Out Burger, a name has emerged at the center of the community's search for hope: Jordan Salinas, the armed bystander credited with helping stop the attack from claiming more lives.
Twin Falls County Sheriff Jack Johnson confirmed at a Sunday news conference that a bystander and an off-duty state trooper exchanged gunfire with the gunman, forcing him to take cover, though police have not officially released the citizen's name. "I want to extend my deepest thanks to the off-duty trooper and the good citizen that engaged the shooter," Johnson said. "These people are true heroes in our community, and their actions diverted the shooter, and no doubt saved many lives."
Widespread online reporting and viral video have identified that citizen as Salinas, a customer at the restaurant when 24-year-old Chad Williams allegedly opened fire. Witness Lane Koehn, who recorded part of the encounter, said Salinas' actions may have distracted the gunman long enough for numerous people inside and outside the restaurant to flee to safety.
Speaking to the Idaho Statesman, Salinas said he felt "no fear" as he ran toward gunfire, explaining, "There's a task that needs to be done, and we're the ones who need to do it."
Authorities say the shooting left four people dead, including the gunman, and seven others injured, with two treated and released, three listed as stable, and two in critical condition. Williams died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound, and a motive remains under investigation.
For a town still leaning on prayer in the days since the tragedy, Salinas' actions have become a quiet picture of a truth many believers hold close - that courage for a stranger's sake is one of the clearest reflections of love a person can offer.
Related Article: Idaho Shooting: Three Dead in Twin Falls In-N-Out Tragedy as Officials Call for Prayer
