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

A quiet Saturday at one of Idaho's newest In-N-Out Burger locations turned into a nightmare in just minutes. As investigators continue piecing together what happened, survivors, families, and witnesses are revealing heartbreaking details that paint a fuller picture of the tragedy — including how two strangers helped stop even greater bloodshed.

On August 1, 2026, authorities said 24-year-old Chad Williams opened fire at and around the Twin Falls In-N-Out Burger, killing three people and injuring seven others before dying from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. The restaurant had opened only eight days earlier as the chain's fourth Idaho location.

Although investigators are still working to determine what motivated the attack, the New York Times reported that police believe Chad acted alone, opening fire with an AR-style rifle in the drive-thru and parking lot of the restaurant, which had only opened a week earlier on July 24.

Panic Erupted Within Seconds

The shooting erupted shortly before 2:30 p.m. at the corner of Blue Lakes Boulevard and Fillmore Street, one of Twin Falls' busiest commercial districts, where hundreds of people were gathered on a busy Saturday afternoon.

As panicked customers fled for safety, Twin Falls Police Chief Matthew Hicks said dispatchers were flooded with emergency calls, many capturing screams in the background as the chaos unfolded.

CBS News reported that social media video captured people fleeing across the shopping center parking lot while gunfire echoed nearby. Nayeli Rodriguez, 40, of Burley, was inside waiting for food with her daughters when the gunfire started. "We were trying to get as far as we could, and some angels let us in their car," she said.

Twin Falls resident Haley Dodaro had been waiting in the drive-thru with her mother when everything suddenly changed. At first, Haley believed there had been a fire after seeing workers sprint out of the restaurant.

Then a man wearing a reflective safety vest began directing traffic, saving their lives. "So that's when we knew there was a shooting. People were running out crying and screaming. It was very scary," Haley recalled.

Witnesses Describe the Chaos as Families Begin Speaking Out

As investigators sorted through the aftermath, the identities of several victims slowly began to emerge. One of those wounded was 62-year-old Terry Dudley, a taxi driver who was charging his Tesla when he was struck. According to NBC News, Terry's son Michael said his father was shot "in the back, around the neck area."

"He was just in the car," Michael said. "He got shot, and then the car next to him got lit up, as well." Michael added that Terry remained intubated but appeared to be improving before saying, "I'm honestly glad he's been handled and taken care of."

A GoFundMe campaign described Terry as a devoted widower whose children "are his world" and praised him as someone who "quietly puts others before himself, who works hard, loves deeply, and never hesitates to lend a helping hand. He is tenacious, compassionate, kind hearted, and has a way of making those around him smile, even on their hardest days."

"Between surgeries, rehabilitation, medical expenses, and the loss of income while he heals, the financial burden on Terry and his family will be immense. The last thing they should have to worry about during this fight is how they are going to make ends meet."

"We are asking for your help for Terry, but also with heavy hearts for every victim and every family impacted by this horrific tragedy [...] Our prayers remain with every victim, every survivor, and the families mourning loved ones they will never get to hold again."

"If you are able to donate, no matter the amount, your kindness will help lift an unimaginable burden from all of these families during the most difficult time of their lives."

Another son, Osiris Dudley, also shared a brief message on Facebook, writing, "My dad Terry Dudley was the victim of a mass shooting in Twin Falls, Idaho. I ask for thoughts and prayers to go out to my dad."

Another family also revealed how their loved one was hurt while trying to help. In a Facebook post, Marcus Scott said his son Austin "AJ" Scott heard the gunfire and made the "courageous decision" to move toward the danger in an effort to protect others.

"He was critically injured and is now facing a long road of surgeries, recovery and rehab rehabilitation," Marcus added in his post.

"We are incredibly thankful that God spared his life and that his wife and friend were there to provide immediate care until he could get to the hospital."

"Austin and his wife will both face time away from work as he heals, and we are asking for prayers and support during this difficult season [...] We ask that you keep Austin and his wife Connie and our family in your prayers."

One Hero Has Now Broken His Silence

Authorities credited two people with returning fire during the attack and helping force the gunman away from the crowded restaurant. One was later identified as Jordan Salinas, a healthcare worker from Kimberly, Idaho.

According to the Idaho Statesman, Jordan had just arrived for lunch with his girlfriend when he heard what first sounded like popping noises before realizing people were running from gunfire.

Jordan drew his legally carried handgun and relied on years of training. He later said Chad changed course after bullets began coming from both directions.

"He did not like it when bullets started firing both ways," Jordan recalled. The return fire drove the shooter away from the restaurant's drive-through, and toward an open parking lot at the city's visitor center, where Chad later died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound, authorities said.

Twin Falls County Sheriff Jack Johnson praised the two men who confronted the gunman, saying, "These people are true heroes in our community." He added, "They diverted the shooter and without a doubt saved many lives."

A day later, Jordan addressed the public in a Facebook post. "The last 24 hours have been overwhelming. I want to sincerely thank my family, friends, and everyone who has reached out with messages, prayers, and support," he wrote. Jordan added, "In the coming days, I'll share a more complete account of what happened, to the best of my recollection, when I'm able."

"For now, my heart remains with the victims, their families, and everyone affected by yesterday's tragedy," he added, ending his post with, "Thank you for continuing to keep them in your thoughts and prayers, and thank you all for the incredible support you've shown me and my family."

As his actions drew widespread attention online, photos of Jordan also began circulating on social media. In an X post, author Larry Correia shared what he described as the authentic image after seeing an altered version online, writing, "I saw an AI "enhanced" photo first. Here's the real one."

The Second Hero Was Identified in Only Three Words

Jordan was not the only person credited with confronting the shooter. Authorities have not publicly identified the second man who fired back. Instead, as reported by the Associated Press, officials referred to him using just three words: "off-duty state trooper."

Police said the armed citizen and the off-duty state trooper both returned fire and diverted Chad away from the restaurant, actions authorities believe saved additional lives.

Witnesses Also Described the Gunman's Behavior

While police continue investigating the motive, eyewitnesses have shared what they saw during the shooting. Construction worker Lane Koehn told The New York Times that the gunman appeared disorganized throughout the attack. Watching the gunman move through the parking lot, Lane came away with one overwhelming impression: "he was panicking."

"He was not very calm and collected, running and slinging his rifle around, firing," Lane added. Lane also described the frantic efforts to save an injured In-N-Out employee before first responders arrived. After pulling into a parking lot across from the restaurant, he saw one employee dragging a co-worker who had suffered a gunshot wound to the chest.

"He was just screaming and screaming her name, telling her, 'Wake up.' ... She was in and out of it," Lane recalled. "She would be up and say a few words and stuff."

Lane said a retired EMT who happened to be nearby rushed over to help keep the employee alive until an ambulance arrived, adding that once emergency crews got there, "it felt like they got the victim out in just seconds."

In a social media post, In-N-Out Burger President Lyndi Snyder confirmed that one of the company's employees had been killed in the attack. "We lost one of our beautiful Associates tonight," she wrote. "She was taking care of our most important asset — our Customers, and her life was taken by a disgusting human who doesn't value the lives of others or his own."

Lyndi did not identify the employee by name.

The Suspect's Family Has Also Been Drawn Into the Tragedy

As investigators continue searching for answers, police say Chad's relatives have been cooperating fully with the investigation. Chief Hicks said the family had already been notified and was assisting detectives. He also shared the only public comment about how they are coping.

"Their hearts are also broken," Hicks said, according to CBS News.

Meanwhile, the Twin Falls Police Department reassured residents that law enforcement services remain fully available despite the massive investigation. In a statement to the community, the department said people calling for assistance may see officers from neighboring agencies respond.

"Even in light of yesterday's incident, we want to assure you that law enforcement services remain available to our community," the statement read. "We are here if you need us."