Sniper killed after ambushing two Idaho firefighters; arson is suspected in the incident.
Idaho authorities confirmed late Sunday evening that a sniper who reportedly lured firefighters to a brush fire he initiated has acted alone and was subsequently found deceased. This tragic incident resulted in the deaths of two firefighters, while a third remains in stable condition but continues to fight for recovery following surgery. Kootenai County Sheriff Bob Norris provided these updates during a late-night briefing, highlighting that one of the deceased firefighters was affiliated with the Coeur d’Alene Fire Department, while the other served with Kootenai County Fire and Rescue. However, Sheriff Norris refrained from publicly identifying the victims or the shooter.
The firefighting crew responded to a call that was received at 1:21 PM. While engaged in reconnaissance of the blaze, which had expanded rapidly in the remote area, the firefighters unexpectedly faced gunfire around 2 PM. Norris described the chaos that ensued as responders found themselves not only battling the fire but also dodging bullets while urgently calling for assistance amid managing a significant containment area of approximately 17,000 square feet.
In response to the situation, about 300 law enforcement officers converged on the scene, attempting to decipher the rapidly evolving circumstances. Agencies at the local, state, and federal levels, including the FBI, were deployed, alongside personnel from both Washington State and Montana. The incident unfolded at Canfield Mountain, a popular area for hiking and biking on the outskirts of Coeur d’Alene, a community with a population of roughly 55,000. Local authorities ordered nearby hikers and residents to shelter in place, instituted a no-fly zone to prevent aerial interference, and instructed deputies to neutralize the shooter if spotted.
By approximately 5:30 PM, investigators located a stationary cell phone signal, leading them to the suspect, who was found deceased, along with a firearm nearby. Sheriff Norris indicated that the shooter acted independently, as determined by the evidence collected from the scene.
Following this incident, the fire rapidly expanded to encompass 20 acres, compelling authorities to relocate the suspect’s body to ensure public safety and address the evolving fire threat, which inadvertently affected the integrity of the crime scene. The community, particularly those within the firefighting service, remains in a state of shock and mourning as they process the implications of this devastating event.
Local officials expressed their sorrow and solidarity following the tragedy. As Kootenai County Board of Commissioners Chairman Bruce Mattare stated, this day will be etched in the community’s memory as one filled with profound loss and disbelief over the heinous act that claimed the lives of two dedicated professionals.
The investigation into the events surrounding this incident continues as authorities aim to understand the motives and circumstances leading to this act of violence against those who bravely serve the community.
With Media News Source.
