‘We Are Actively Taking Sniper Fire’: 2 Firefighters Dead in Idaho Ambush, Shooting Continues Through Sheriff Briefing

At least two firefighters were killed while responding the scene of a fire in a rural area near Coeur d’Alene, Idaho on Sunday, and the snipers were still shooting at police and public safety officials while the Sheriff was reporting on the latest from the scene in a presser a short time ago.

Kootenai County Sheriff Bob Norris confirmed to reporters Sunday that multiple firefighters were shot at while responding to a call, killing two, but that this may not be the extent of the casualties. He emphasized the area is rugged and rural and that there could be other civilians on the mountain, or other safety officials or first responders injured at the time of the presser.

He also pointed out that the scene was active at the time of the presser, and reports indicated police have continued to take fire up until the time of this post.

Idaho Republican Gov. Brad Little posted on X shortly after the news broke on Sunday, writing that “Multiple heroic firefighters were attacked today while responding to a fire in North Idaho. This is a heinous direct assault on our brave firefighters. I ask all Idahoans to pray for them and their families as we wait to learn more. Teresa and I are heartbroken.”

Republicans Rep. Mike Simpson and Sen. Mike Crapo of Idaho also posted on X, offering prayers, with Simpson describing the situation as “gut-wrenching.”

Here is more information on the shooting, via Reuters.

June 29 (Reuters) – Two firefighters were killed when they were shot at while responding to a fire in northern Idaho, the Kootenai County Sheriff said on Sunday, with law enforcement officers still taking sniper fire and hunting for the killer.

It was not immediately clear if there was one gunman or more, Sheriff Bob Norris told a press conference, adding that civilians may have been struck in the incident unfolding in a nature area in Coeur d’Alene.

“We are prepared to neutralize this suspect who is currently actively shooting at public safety personnel,” Norris said.

Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem has been briefed on the Idaho shooting, ABC News reported.
Firefighters received the first call of a fire around 1:21 p.m. local time, Norris said, and about 40 minutes later, reports emerged that they were being shot at.

In his remarks, Sheriff Norris encouraged anyone with a clear shot to “take the shot and neutralize the threat.”

UPDATES:
Police will be holding a second press briefing at 9:30 PM local time (12:30 AM ET) to update the public on the shooting.

DHS Secretary Kristi Noem posted on X that Homeland is “actively monitoring” the situation in Coeur d’Alene.

This is a breaking news story and may be updated.

Watch the clip above via CNN.