Idaho active shooter situation leaves at least 2 dead as firefighters ambushed

A tragic incident unfolded in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho on Sunday as an active shooter targeted firefighters battling a wildfire, resulting in the deaths of two brave first responders. The International Association of Fire Fighters confirmed that two firefighters were killed in the ambush, while another firefighter was injured and undergoing surgery.

The FBI’s Deputy Director, Dan Bongino, stated that the agency was on the scene of the active and dangerous situation. Teams were providing support and working to bring the situation under control. Kootenai County Sheriff Robert Norris revealed that the sniper attack was ongoing, with law enforcement officials still facing sniper fire as they tried to respond to the emergency.

The Sheriff reported that two individuals had been killed, likely firefighters, but the exact number of casualties remained unknown. The shooter or shooters were still unidentified, and the situation was evolving rapidly. Civilians in the area were being evacuated from the mountain where the incident took place.

The Northern Lakes Fire Protection confirmed that the active shooter situation was related to the wildfire incident, which added to the complexity and danger of the situation. Officials warned residents to avoid the area and stay vigilant as the situation continued to unfold.

The firefighters had been responding to a brush fire near East Nettleton Gulch Road when they came under fire. The suspect or suspects were using high-powered rifles, making it a challenging and perilous situation for both firefighters and law enforcement.

Sheriff Norris emphasized the need for caution and urged people to stay away from the area. With the threat still active, the operation was expected to continue for multiple days until the suspects were neutralized.

Leaders at the state and federal level expressed shock and sadness over the attack on the firefighters. Governor Brad Little called it a direct assault on the brave first responders and asked for prayers for the victims and their families. Attorney General Raul Labrador condemned the attack, stating that first responders should never be targeted in this way.

As the situation continued to develop, law enforcement and firefighters worked tirelessly to bring the incident to a resolution. The community of Coeur d’Alene and the nation as a whole mourned the loss of the fallen firefighters and stood in solidarity with those on the front lines of emergency response.