The Twin Falls Police Department has identified 24-year-old Chad Williams as the suspect responsible for the mass shooting at the In-N-Out Burger in Twin Falls, Idaho, on August 1, 2026. Authorities say Williams opened fire outside the newly opened restaurant, killing three people and injuring seven others before dying from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
As investigators continue examining what led to the attack, police have confirmed that Williams acted alone and that there is no evidence of additional suspects. Officials have also urged the public to avoid spreading misinformation, emphasizing that several unrelated individuals have been falsely identified online.
Chad Williams, 24, was identified by Twin Falls police as the suspect in the August 1, 2026, In-N-Out Burger mass shooting in Twin Falls, Idaho. Authorities say he killed three people and injured seven others before dying from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Police believe Williams acted alone, and investigators have not yet announced a motive for the attack.
Who was Chad Williams?
According to investigators, Chad Williams was 24 years old and had previously attended the College of Southern Idaho (CSI) between August 22, 2022, and December 14, 2023.
The college confirmed that Williams did not graduate and was formerly involved in student government.
CSI records show he served as a student senator, but he was impeached from that position in February 2023.
At this time, investigators have not said whether his time at the college has any connection to the shooting.
Chad Williams Biography
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Chad Williams |
| Age | 24 |
| Location | Twin Falls, Idaho |
| Former School | College of Southern Idaho |
| Student Status | Former student (2022–2023) |
| Graduated | No |
| Date of Incident | August 1, 2026 |
| Status | Deceased (self-inflicted gunshot wound) |
College of Southern Idaho confirms Williams was a former student
Following the shooting, the College of Southern Idaho released a statement confirming that Chad Williams had previously attended the institution.
According to CSI President Dr. L. Dean Fisher, Williams was enrolled from August 2022 through December 2023, but did not earn a degree or credential.
The college also confirmed that Williams had once served as a student senator before being impeached in 2023.
In its statement, the college said it would fully cooperate with law enforcement as the investigation continues.
What happened during the Twin Falls In-N-Out shooting?
Authorities say the shooting began on the afternoon of Saturday, August 1, at the newly opened In-N-Out Burger on Blue Lakes Boulevard.
Police allege that Williams opened fire in the crowded restaurant area, causing panic among customers and employees.
The attack resulted in:
| Incident Summary | Details |
|---|---|
| Date | August 1, 2026 |
| Location | In-N-Out Burger, Twin Falls, Idaho |
| Fatalities | Three victims |
| Injured | Seven victims |
| Suspect | Chad Williams |
| Suspect’s Death | Self-inflicted gunshot wound |
Twin Falls Police Chief Matthew Hicks later confirmed that the immediate threat had ended.
Police say Chad Williams acted alone
During a Sunday afternoon press conference, Chief Hicks stated investigators are confident that Williams acted alone.
Officials said two individuals—a law enforcement officer who was off duty and an armed civilian—returned fire during the incident.
Police believe their actions diverted Williams and likely prevented additional casualties.
Authorities have not indicated that any accomplices were involved.
Investigation into motive continues
Investigators have not yet determined why the shooting occurred.
Police continue reviewing:
- Surveillance video.
- Digital evidence.
- Witness interviews.
- The suspect’s background and recent activities.
Officials have stressed that the investigation remains active and that additional information will be released when appropriate.
Police warn against online misinformation
One of the strongest messages delivered during the Sunday briefing concerned false information spreading on social media.
Chief Hicks said investigators were aware that another individual sharing the same name had been wrongly accused online.
Police emphasized that this person has absolutely no connection to the shooting.
Authorities also clarified that Williams was not affiliated with any fire department, addressing another false rumor circulating online.
Investigators urged the public to rely only on official updates rather than unverified social media claims.
Williams’ family cooperating with investigators
Police said Williams’ family has been notified and is cooperating fully with investigators.
Chief Hicks acknowledged that the suspect’s relatives are also dealing with immense grief.
“Their hearts are also broken at this time.”
Authorities have not indicated that family members had any involvement in the incident.
Victims continue recovering
The shooting left ten victims in total, including the three people who lost their lives.
According to police:
- Two injured victims have been treated and released.
- Three remain hospitalized in stable condition.
- Two remain in critical condition.
Officials continue notifying families while supporting survivors throughout the investigation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Chad Williams?
Chad Williams was a 24-year-old former student at the College of Southern Idaho who police identified as the suspect in the August 1, 2026, mass shooting at the Twin Falls In-N-Out Burger.
Did Chad Williams act alone?
Yes. Twin Falls police say the investigation indicates Williams acted alone, and authorities have found no evidence that additional suspects were involved.
How did Chad Williams die?
According to Twin Falls police, Williams died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound after the shooting.
Has police identified a motive?
No. Investigators have not announced a motive, and the investigation remains ongoing.
Conclusion
The identification of Chad Williams provides investigators with a clearer understanding of who carried out the devastating Twin Falls In-N-Out Burger shooting, but many questions remain unanswered. While police have confirmed that Williams acted alone and died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound, authorities continue working to determine what motivated the attack that claimed three lives and injured seven others. Officials are urging the public to avoid spreading unverified information as detectives continue gathering evidence and interviewing witnesses. As the Twin Falls community mourns those affected, the focus remains on supporting victims and ensuring an accurate account of the tragedy emerges through the ongoing investigation.