Updated: August 3, 2026 – 6:30 AM IST
On a quiet Saturday afternoon in Twin Falls, Idaho, a newly opened In-N-Out Burger became the scene of a deadly mass shooting. Within hours, police identified the gunman as 24-year-old Chad Williams. He killed three people, wounded seven others, and then died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Investigators say he acted alone.
Here is what we know so far about Chad Williams and the events of August 1, 2026.
Table of Contents
The Shooting at Twin Falls In-N-Out
The attack began around 2:29 p.m. local time on Saturday at the In-N-Out on Blue Lakes Boulevard and Fillmore Street. The restaurant had opened only about a week earlier as part of the chain’s expansion into Idaho.
Williams opened fire near the drive-through area with what witnesses described as an AR-style rifle. Three people died, including one In-N-Out employee. Seven others were injured. Two of the wounded have since been released from the hospital, three remain in stable condition, and two are still listed as critical.
Police Chief Matthew Hicks confirmed that Williams died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound after leaving the restaurant area. Authorities are confident he acted alone. The FBI is assisting the investigation and has set up a tip line for videos and information from the public.
Who Was Chad Williams?
Very little personal background has been released about Chad Williams. Officials have confirmed only his age—24—and that his family has been notified and is cooperating fully with investigators. Police have not said whether he was a Twin Falls local or had any prior connection to the restaurant.
A motive has not been established. Investigators continue reviewing evidence, interviewing witnesses, and examining Williams’ actions leading up to the shooting. One report noted that Williams had a separate, unrelated encounter with law enforcement the night before the attack.
Early social media posts wrongly named other individuals and even claimed the shooter was a firefighter. Police firmly rejected those claims and asked the public to stop spreading unverified information.
How Armed Bystanders Helped Stop Further Violence
Two people played a critical role in limiting the damage. An off-duty Idaho state trooper who was a customer at the restaurant and a private citizen returned fire.
The civilian has been identified in local reporting as Jordan Salinas, a 35-year-old from nearby Kimberly. Video circulating online shows him moving carefully behind signs and shrubs before engaging Williams. Twin Falls County Sheriff Jack Johnson called both men “true heroes,” saying their actions “without a doubt saved many lives.”
Police Chief Hicks agreed: the return fire drove Williams away from the restaurant toward a nearby parking lot, preventing additional casualties.
Key Facts at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full name | Chad Williams |
| Age | 24 |
| Location of incident | In-N-Out Burger, Twin Falls, Idaho |
| Date of shooting | August 1, 2026 |
| Fatalities (excluding shooter) | 3 (including 1 In-N-Out employee) |
| People injured | 7 |
| Shooter’s cause of death | Self-inflicted gunshot wound |
| Motive | Still under investigation |
| Status of investigation | Active; FBI assisting |
Conclusion
Chad Williams is the 24-year-old man police have identified as the sole shooter in the Twin Falls In-N-Out attack. He ended three lives, injured seven others, and took his own. No clear motive has emerged, and many personal details about him remain private while the investigation continues.
What stands out is the courage of the off-duty trooper and the civilian who stepped in. Their quick response likely prevented an even greater tragedy. As authorities work to understand why this happened, the community of Twin Falls and the In-N-Out family are left to mourn and recover. Updates will continue as more verified information becomes available.