On August 1, a deadly shooting at an In-N-Out Burger in Twin Falls, Idaho, left at least three people dead and several others injured. Police later confirmed the suspected gunman was dead and said there was no longer any threat to the public, while investigators continued working to determine a motive.
As updates about the attack spread online, streamer Sneako used the incident to claim that news outlets were giving it less attention because the suspected shooter was white. In separate posts the same day, he also targeted Elon Musk, calling for his deportation and describing him as “The face of white supremacy.”
Authorities have not linked the shooting to Sneako’s online claims.
Sneako connects Idaho shooting to media coverage
Hours after reports of the Twin Falls shooting emerged, Sneako shared posts on X questioning how the attack was being covered. Referring to reports about the incident, he wrote, “White shooter so this does not make news.”
The post came while police were still releasing information about the attack. Investigators said the suspected gunman was dead and that the immediate danger had ended, but they had not announced a motive. The investigation remains ongoing.
{{/usCountry}}The post came while police were still releasing information about the attack. Investigators said the suspected gunman was dead and that the immediate danger had ended, but they had not announced a motive. The investigation remains ongoing.
{{/usCountry}}Why did Sneako target Elon Musk in separate posts?
On the same day, Sneako also posted twice about Elon Musk. One post quoted a video showing Musk giving Tesla’s factory tour to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and added the caption, “Deport Elon.”
In another post, he shared a photo of Musk with the caption, “The face of white supremacy.”
The posts are in line with Sneako’s recent criticism of Musk over his views on Israel, immigration and politics. They did not mention the Idaho shooting directly but were shared within hours of his comments about the attack.
Who is Sneako and why has he remained controversial?
Sneako, whose real name is Nicolas Kenn De Balinthazy, is an online streamer and content creator. Over the past few years, he has been removed from platforms including YouTube, Twitch, TikTok and Instagram over policy violations. He now mainly streams on Rumble.
He has also drawn criticism over his ties to figures such as Nick Fuentes and Andrew Tate. The Anti-Defamation League says Sneako has repeatedly promoted antisemitic conspiracy theories, misogynistic views and white supremacist talking points.
Earlier this year, he was also part of a group filmed singing along to Ye’s song “Heil Hitler,” which sparked fresh backlash online.