Idaho State Police identifies off-duty trooper who confronted gunman in Twin Falls shooting

TWIN FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) — Nearly two weeks after a deadly shooting at the new In-N-Out Burger in Twin Falls, the Idaho State Police (ISP) has identified the off-duty trooper who confronted the gunman to protect bystanders.

ISP identified the officer as Specialist Steve McClain, a Twin Falls native and 12-year veteran of the agency assigned to the Commercial Vehicle Safety program. The agency says McClain’s identity was temporarily withheld at the request of the prosecutor’s office while investigators completed their initial review of the August 1 incident.

The attack claimed the lives of Ashley Garibay, 23, of Stockton, California; Dale Schultz, 66, of Salt Lake City, Utah; and Christopher Claunch, 59, of Hagerman, Idaho. Investigators have not yet determined a motive for the gunman, identified as 24-year-old Chad Williams.

According to authorities, McClain and an armed bystander, 35-year-old Jordan Salinas of Kimberly, Idaho, fired back when Williams began shooting at the restaurant. In a Sunday press conference following the shooting, Twin Falls Police Chief Matthew Hicks described the scene as "one of the most chaotic instances a law enforcement officer can face in their career." Police say McClain and Salinas' quick actions forced the gunman away from the crowded dining area, preventing further casualties.

"Like many others who were there that day, I simply did what I believed needed to be done," said Specialist McClain. Many people stepped forward to help complete strangers, often at great personal risk, and I am grateful for their courage and compassion."

In a statement released alongside the announcement, ISP extended its deepest condolences to the victims, their families, first responders, and the entire Twin Falls community coping with the tragedy.

Colonel Bill Gardiner, director of the Idaho State Police, praised McClain's decisive action and "decision to confront the threat in an effort to protect others."

"Years of training, experience, discipline, and commitment were compressed into a matter of seconds," said Colonel Gardiner. "Faced with an active threat, he willingly put himself in harm’s way to protect others. In doing so, he undoubtedly helped save lives...The public often sees only a single point in time, but moments such as these are built on years of preparation and a commitment to serving others. On August 1, Specialist McClain demonstrated exactly what that commitment looks like."

Colonel Gardiner went on to praise the countless ordinary people who showed courage in the face of unimaginable circumstances. Specialist McClain echoed Colonel Gardiner's words, expressing gratitude for his training and the community's response.

"I am proud to serve alongside the men and women of the Idaho State Police, as well as those with the Twin Falls Police Department and other members of our law enforcement community," said Gardiner. "I pray that the community can continue to heal and be strengthened through one another. Twin Falls Strong!”

ISP asks the public to respect the privacy of the victims, their families, Specialist McClain, and all affected individuals as the investigation moves forward.