Idaho ambush: Two firefighters killed while responding to brush fire; Governor calls it ‘heinous assault'
Agencies
Updated 30 Jun 2025, 06:13 AM IST
Two people were shot dead in Idaho while responding to a brush fire. The Kootenai County Sheriff's Office informed ABC News that the victims, both firefighters, were ambushed at the scene. Meanwhile, the authorities have urged residents to stay away from the city of Coeur d'Alene as the suspect remains on the run. The Kootenai County Sheriff's Office said, crews responded to a fire at Canfield Mountain around 1:30 pm (local time) and gunshots were reported about a half hour later.
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. Authorities in western Idaho on Sunday urged residents to shelter in place because of law enforcement activity following a shooting in Kootenai County near Coeur d'Alene.
'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," Little said.
As this situation is still developing, please stay clear from the area to allow law enforcement and firefighters to do their jobs."Governor Brad Little said on X that multiple firefighters were attacked while responding to a blaze. FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino said agents were responding to the scene to "provide tactical and operational support".
The sheriff's office in neighbouring Soshone County said on Facebook that authorities were 'dealing with an active shooter situation where the shooter is still at large". An alert by the Kootenai County Emergency Management Office asked people to avoid the area around Canfield Mountain Trailhead and Nettleton Gulch Road, about 6.5 km north of downtown Coeur d'Alene.
Some local residents have speculated that the incident may be connected to Travis Decker, a missing ex-soldier wanted in connection with the deaths of his three young daughters. However, authorities have found no solid evidence linking Decker to the Coeur d'Alene shooting.
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Hindustan Times
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Coeur d'Alene shooting: Crowd waves American flags honoring slain Idaho firefighters
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Time of India
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Time of India
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Idaho shooting: Chilling audio reveals chaos as two firefighters killed; 'everybody's shot up here'
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