Idaho Fast-Food Shooting Suspect Died from Self-Inflicted Gunshot Wound, Police Confirm

Authorities in the U.S. state of Idaho have confirmed that the suspect behind the deadly mass shooting at a newly opened In-N-Out Burger restaurant in Twin Falls died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound, as investigators continue working to determine what motivated the attack.

The gunman, identified by police as 24-year-old Chad Williams, opened fire on Saturday afternoon at the busy fast-food restaurant, killing three people; including an employee, and injuring seven others before fleeing the immediate scene. According to investigators, Williams later died from a gunshot wound that police determined was self-inflicted. Authorities also said they are confident he acted alone.

The shooting unfolded shortly after 2 p.m. local time at the restaurant, which had opened only days earlier. Witnesses described scenes of panic as customers and staff ran for cover while gunfire erupted inside and outside the establishment. Emergency responders rushed to the area, where victims were treated before being transported to nearby hospitals. Several of the injured remain hospitalized, with at least two reported to be in critical condition.

Police credited the swift actions of an off-duty Idaho State Police trooper and an armed civilian with preventing an even greater tragedy. Officials said both confronted the gunman, forcing him away from the crowded restaurant and disrupting the attack before officers secured the scene. Twin Falls Police Chief Matthew Hicks praised their intervention, saying it likely saved additional lives.

Investigators from the Twin Falls Police Department, assisted by the FBI and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), are examining evidence recovered from the scene and reviewing surveillance footage. The FBI has appealed to members of the public who witnessed the shooting or recorded videos to submit any material that could assist the investigation.

Authorities have not yet established a motive for the attack. Police said Williams’ family is cooperating fully with investigators as detectives continue interviewing witnesses and piecing together the events leading up to the shooting. Officials have also warned against misinformation circulating on social media, noting that some online posts have incorrectly identified other individuals as the gunman.

The tragedy has deeply shaken the Twin Falls community, with tributes pouring in for the victims. In-N-Out Burger owner Lynsi Snyder expressed sorrow over the loss of an employee and extended condolences to the families affected, pledging the company’s full cooperation with law enforcement throughout the investigation.

As detectives continue their work, authorities say the focus remains on establishing a clear motive, supporting survivors and victims’ families, and ensuring an accurate account of one of the deadliest shootings to strike the southern Idaho city in recent years.