Story perspectives

Idaho Burger Shootout Kills 3, Civilian Stops Shooter

8/3/2026

Summary

Salinas Stops Shooter

On August 1, 2026, Chad Williams opened fire at a Twin Falls, Idaho, burger restaurant, killing three and wounding seven.
He then died from a self-inflicted gunshot.
Twin Falls Police Chief Matthew Hicks said a trooper and civilian Jordan Salinas (35) returned fire, driving the shooter from the drive-through.
Salinas used an FN Five-Seven pistol and followed a four-step routine while FBI Special Agent Robert Boles pledged resources for an investigation.

Summary

Police Lockdown

Police sealed Blue Lakes Boulevard and shut the Perrine Bridge after the shooting.
Chick-fil-A, Magic Valley Mall and a Dick’s Sporting Goods parking lot were ordered to close or lock down.
A shelter-in-place order was issued and lifted later that afternoon when the threat ended.
Local police, Idaho State Police and Twin Falls Fire Department coordinated the response, with Police Chief Matthew Hicks stating hundreds of witnesses will be interviewed.

History

Historical Context

The 1999 Columbine High School massacre in Littleton, Colorado, where two students killed 13 people and wounded 24, shocked the nation. The FBI’s Hostage Rescue Team, alongside the Colorado Springs Police Department, deployed 12 tactical units and recovered 5 firearms within hours. Similarly, in August 2026, Twin Falls Police Chief Matthew Hicks coordinated Idaho State Police, civilian Jordan Salinas, and FBI Agent Robert Boles during the drive-through shooting. These incidents prompted law-enforcement agencies to institutionalize rapid civilian-armed response protocols, influencing nationwide active-shooter training and legislative reviews.

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Salinas Stops Shooter

On August 1, 2026, Chad Williams opened fire at a Twin Falls, Idaho, burger restaurant, killing three and wounding seven.
He then died from a self-inflicted gunshot.
Twin Falls Police Chief Matthew Hicks said a trooper and civilian Jordan Salinas (35) returned fire, driving the shooter from the drive-through.
Salinas used an FN Five-Seven pistol and followed a four-step routine while FBI Special Agent Robert Boles pledged resources for an investigation.

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