2 Firefighters Killed In Ambush While Responding To Wildfire

2 Firefighters Killed In Ambush While Responding To Wildfire

By Harold Hutchison

Two firefighters were killed and a third was fighting for his life Sunday when an alleged shooter, who was apparently found dead, ambushed fire crews responding to a wildfire near Coeur d’Alene, Idaho.

Republican Gov. Brad Little of Idaho responded to the active shooter incident in a statement posted on X Sunday, while the International Association of Firefighters confirmed two firefighters were killed and a third was in surgery in a Sunday night post on X. The Kootenai County Sheriff’s Office announced a man was found dead with a firearm and lifted the shelter in place order late Sunday.

“This evening, members of the SWAT team located a deceased male on Canfield Mountain,” the office said in a statement. “A firearm was found nearby.”

“While responding to a fire earlier today in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, IAFF members were ambushed in a heinous act of violence. Two of our brothers were killed by a sniper, and a third brother remains in surgery,” the union posted. “Please keep them, their families, and law enforcement in your prayers.”

“Multiple heroic firefighters were attacked today while responding to a fire in North Idaho. This is a heinous direct assault on our brave firefighters.” Little posted. “I ask all Idahoans to pray for them and their families as we wait to learn more. Teresa and I are heartbroken. As this situation is still developing, please stay clear from the area to allow law enforcement and firefighters to do their jobs.”

FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino said FBI assets were en route to the scene to provide “tactical and operational support.”

“FBI assets are headed to the scene in Coeur d’Alene to provide tactical and operational support. It is an active scene,” Bongino posted on X.

Kootenai County Sheriff Robert Norris said during a press conference that law enforcement personnel were still being fired upon.

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“It is going to be a tough next couple of hours, absolutely,” Norris said. “I’m hoping that somebody has a clear shot, and is able to neutralize. Because they are not, at this point in time, showing any evidence of wanting to surrender. So as soon as somebody has a clear shot, I encourage them to take that shot, neutralize the threat.”

Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem is also monitoring the situation, according to a spokesperson.

@Sec_Noem is actively monitoring the situation in Coeur d’Alene,” Assistant Secretary of Homeland Security for Public Affairs Tricia McLaughlin posted. “Pray for Idaho’s first responders.”

Attorney General Pam Bondi said FBI personnel were on the ground at the scene.

Thank you to our incredible @FBI agents on the ground assisting local authorities in Idaho. We are praying for all,” Bondi said.

Republican Sen. Mike Crapo of Idaho urged residents in the area to follow the recommendations of law enforcement to shelter in place in a post on X.

I am monitoring the horrific reports out of Coeur d’Alene this evening, Crapo posted. I urge local residents to follow recommendations of law enforcement. My prayers are with victims and first responders.

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