ISP identifies trooper who confronted threat during deadly In-N-Out shooting
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TWIN FALLS — Idaho State Police has identified the off-duty trooper who was involved in the deadly shooting at the Twin Falls In-N-Out Burger, saying his actions “undoubtedly helped save lives.”
Specialist Steve McClain, a 12-year ISP veteran assigned to the Commercial Vehicle Safety program, was off duty when the shooting unfolded. McClain and his family live in the Twin Falls community, according to a news release from ISP.
“Although off-duty, Specialist McClain made the conscious decision to confront the threat in an effort to protect others,” ISP Director Col. Bill Gardiner said. “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 shooting resulted in the deaths of three victims and left seven others injured. The perpetrator, 24-year-old Chad Williams, opened fire in the drive-thru and then fled to a nearby tourist center before taking his own life.
ISP had previously withheld McClain’s identity at the request of prosecutors while investigators reviewed the incident and determined whether releasing his name could affect the ongoing investigation.
Gardiner praised the numerous bystanders, first responders and others who rushed to help during the shooting, saying “countless ordinary people made extraordinary decisions that day.”
McClain released his own statement Tuesday, saying his thoughts remain with the victims, their families and those injured.
“Like many others who were there that day, I simply did what I believed needed to be done,” McClain said. “Many people stepped forward to help complete strangers, often at great personal risk, and I am grateful for their courage and compassion.”
McClain said he was thankful for the training he received throughout his career that prepared him to respond to the shooting and praised members of ISP, the Twin Falls Police Department and the broader law enforcement community.
“I pray that the community can continue to heal and be strengthened through one another,” he said. “Twin Falls Strong!”
The investigation into the Aug. 1 shooting remains ongoing. ISP said it continues to provide resources and support to local, state and federal agencies involved in the case.
FULL STATEMENT FROM COLONEL BILL GARDINER, DIRECTOR OF IDAHO STATE POLICE
Although off-duty, Specialist McClain made the conscious 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. 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.
Countless ordinary people made extraordinary decisions that day. We recognize the courage shown by those who rendered aid, protected others, and responded in the face of unimaginable circumstances.
Specialist McClain’s actions reflect the courage, character, professionalism, and selfless commitment that define the men and women of the Idaho State Police.
FULL STATEMENT FROM SPECIALIST STEVE MCCLAIN
My heart remains with the victims, their families, those who were injured, and everyone whose lives have been changed by this tragedy.
Like many others who were there that day, I simply did what I believed needed to be done. Many people stepped forward to help complete strangers, often at great personal risk, and I am grateful for their courage and compassion.
I am thankful for the training I have received throughout my career that prepared me for this horrific incident. 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. I pray that the community can continue to heal and be strengthened through one another. Twin Falls Strong!