Three people are dead and seven others were injured after 24-year-old Chad Williams opened fire with an AR-style rifle at an In-N-Out Burger in Twin Falls, Idaho, on Saturday, August 1, 2026. Williams later died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound. What prevented the death toll from being far higher was the intervention of an off-duty state trooper and a civilian bystander named Jordan Salinas — both of whom returned fire with handguns and forced the gunman away from the crowded drive-thru area.
What Happened at the Twin Falls In-N-Out
At 2:29 PM, emergency dispatch began receiving calls reporting an active shooter at the In-N-Out Burger on Blue Lakes Boulevard North, located inside a busy shopping plaza. Williams had opened fire both inside the property and near the drive-thru, targeting customers and employees with an AR-style rifle at one of the most crowded times of day on a Saturday.
Among the three killed was an In-N-Out employee who, according to a statement from company President and Owner Lynsi Snyder, died while serving customers. The names of the two deceased customers have been withheld pending full family notification. Of the seven injured, two have been discharged, three remain stable, and two are in critical condition as of the latest update.
WATCH: Video reportedly shows one of the two believed suspects opening fire with what appears to be an AR-style rifle in a parking lot in Twin Falls, Idaho. No word on casualties. pic.twitter.com/eBo3zagILN
— Scope Report (@ScopeReport_) August 1, 2026
An off-duty Idaho state trooper and civilian bystander Jordan Salinas — who has since spoken publicly about the incident — drew handguns and returned fire. Twin Falls Police Chief Matthew Hicks credited their rapid response with driving Williams away from the densely packed area, almost certainly saving additional lives. Salinas later said he drew on prior firearms training to stay calm and make the decision to act. Much like other documented cases of armed civilians intervening in active shooter situations, the outcome here was shaped in seconds by someone with no obligation to act — but who chose to.
Who Was Chad Williams — and What Investigators Know So Far
Williams, 24 years old, fled the immediate scene after being engaged by the trooper and Salinas. He was found dead nearby from a self-inflicted gunshot wound, confirming he did not survive the incident. The Twin Falls Police Department, in coordination with the FBI, is leading the investigation into motive. As of publication, no motive has been confirmed.
A SWAT team and federal agents responded alongside local police. A temporary shelter-in-place order was issued for the surrounding area while officers secured the perimeter. Governor Brad Little, Attorney General Raúl Labrador, and Senator Mike Crapo have all issued statements commending first responders and asking for prayers for the Twin Falls community. The investigation is active and ongoing — details about Williams’ background, any prior criminal record, or any ideological motive have not yet been released by authorities.
