At a Sunday news conference, authorities said two armed bystanders — a civilian and an off-duty police officer — exchanged gunfire with the alleged attacker at an In-N-Out in Twin Falls, Idaho.
Earlier in the day, – News cited reports that a citizen carrying a handgun fired at the suspect, with one witness saying they believed the armed civilian’s actions helped save lives.
But law enforcement officials later clarified that the citizen was not the only person who confronted the attacker. An off-duty police officer also opened fire during the incident.
The New York Times quoted Twin Falls County Sheriff Jack Johnson praising both individuals, saying, “These people are true heroes in our community, and their actions diverted the shooter and no doubt saved many lives.”
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According to KARK, Twin Falls Police Chief Matthew Hicks also credited the pair with helping stop the violence. “We believe their actions helped drive the suspect away from the scene, preventing further casualties,” Hicks said. “We want to take a moment and commend the actions of the off-duty officer and the citizen, and their heroic action to stop this incident.”
The suspected attacker reportedly died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. – News noted that police identified him as a 24-year-old man.
Three people were killed in the Twin Falls In-N-Out attack, including one employee of the restaurant.