USA – At least 2 firefighters killed in Idaho ambush shooting on Sunday and others injured when a suspect opened fire on them as they were responding to a brush fire. The suspected gunman, whose name is unknown, was found dead and identified as the shooter at a later press briefing.
Idaho Governor Brad Little called the attack “a heinous direct assault on our brave firefighters.”
The incident unfolded at approximately 1.30 pm local time (1930GMT) after a small but growing brush fire broke out on Canfield Mountain.
When fire personnel responded to the blaze, they started getting shot at by an unknown person or persons in the woods, officials said.
The fire, which has been named the Nettleton Gulch Fire, is less than an acre large and is currently ongoing as all efforts have been redirected to neutralize the active shooter, Norris said.
Norris said the situation remains active and that authorities are currently taking fire from multiple directions on the mountain as civilians are at risk of being caught in the crossfire and blaze.
FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino said on X that “assets are headed to the scene in Coeur d’Alene to provide tactical and operational support,” noting that it is an active scene.
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem was briefed on the situation, as SWAT and federal authorities on scene are under “rapid sniper fire.”
Idaho Governor Brad Little called the attack “a heinous direct assault on our brave firefighters” while asking residents to stay clear from the area.
The incident occurred at the Canfield Mountain Natural Area, a 24-acre park on the east side of the city where several hiking and biking trails exist among heavy tree cover.
Shelter in Place Lifted
Officials said although the shelter in place was being lifted, there is still an active wildfire.
“Residents in the area are advised to be prepared and ready should further action need to be taken,” the office said.
The incident occurred at the Canfield Mountain Natural Area, a 24-acre park on the east side of the city of Coeur d’Alene featuring several hiking and biking trails.