Kootenai County, Idaho - At least two individuals lost their lives on Sunday, June 29, when firefighters responding to a wildfire were ambushed by armed assailants, according to statements from the local sheriff.
Sheriff Robert Norris initially informed reporters that the blaze continued to rage on the mountainside in Kootenai County as law enforcement engaged in a gunfire exchange with the shooter or shooters. "We now have two deaths. We have an unknown amount of casualties. We still have civilians that are coming off of that mountain… We are actively taking sniper fire as we speak," he stated during a press conference.
The sheriff emphasized that the assailant showed "no evidence of wanting to surrender," adding, "As soon as somebody has a clear shot, I encourage them to take that shot to neutralize the threat." Authorities believed the two fatalities were firefighters. Earlier, local fire chief Pat Riley expressed his profound grief over the attack, stating he was "heartbroken."
Chief Riley told local TV station KHQ that no evacuations had been ordered despite the ongoing fire. As the gun attack unfolded, Sheriff Norris and other officials instructed residents to shelter in place until the standoff concluded. "We do believe that the suspect started the fire," Norris revealed in a press conference. "This was a total ambush. These firefighters did not have a chance."
A third firefighter, wounded in the attack, was "fighting for his life" after undergoing surgery and was reported to be in stable condition, Norris added.
It was later confirmed that the suspect had been neutralized. While officers exchanged gunfire with the individual, it remained unclear whether the gunman was struck and killed by law enforcement or died by suicide. The motive behind the shooting was not immediately known, and Sheriff Norris did not release any details about the suspect, noting that officers were still working to identify the individual.
