08/15/2026
Shared from Office of the Mayor:
On August 1st a gunman opened fire in the parking lot of an In-N-Out Burger in Twin Falls, a city only a little larger than our own. The gunman murdered three and wounded seven others. My prayers are with those affected by this tragic loss of life.
Yet even in tragedy, heroic courage may be found. The shooter was driven off by an armed citizen named Jordan Salinas and an off-duty Idaho State Police trooper who were able to return fire. These two saved lives by being armed, trained, and willing to run towards danger. Other citizens intervened at personal risk, including one wounded while confronting the threat. I thank and honor these patriots for their bravery.
This incident underscores the importance of having an armed and trained citizenry, in accordance with our God-given right to self-defense protected by the Second Amendment. As others have said, Idaho shoots back. Together with our Post Falls Police Department, I would like to encourage all our residents to exercise their Second Amendment rights and take responsibility for their own safety.
Whether you choose a concealed-carry permit for reciprocity or to simply exercise your right to constitutional carry, train with your fi***rm regularly. When seconds count, help is only minutes away. A free people must not be defenseless.
We believe public safety is not a service provided by a few individuals, but a partnership between citizens and law enforcement. To that end, I’m pleased to announce the coming revival of our Citizen’s Academy at the PD. We will include information on lawful use of force, powers of citizen’s arrest, the daily work done by our law enforcement officers, and much more. Look for a press release with details later this year.
We also have volunteer opportunities for those looking to help keep Post Falls safe. Call the PD at 208-773-3517 to ask about our Volunteers in Police Services and Block Watch programs. Together we will keep Post Falls both free and safe.
Randy Westlund
Mayor, City of Post Falls
Office of the Mayor
408 N. Spokane Street, Post Falls, ID 83854
(208)773-3511
www.postfalls.gov