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Attacker found dead after ambush on US firefighters in Idaho
Attacker found dead after ambush on US firefighters in Idaho

Qatar Tribune

timea day ago

  • Qatar Tribune

Attacker found dead after ambush on US firefighters in Idaho

Two firefighters have been shot dead and another injured in an ambush while they were responding to a blaze in Idaho state in the northwest United States, as the suspected attacker has been found dead, according to authorities. Kootenai County Sheriff Richard Norris told a news conference late on Sunday (05:00 GMT, Monday) that, based on preliminary information, the dead person was believed to be the only shooter, adding 'there is no threat to the community at this time'. Norris said the suspect set the fire to lure the firefighters at Canfield Mountain, a popular and scenic hiking and biking area near the outskirts of town. Once the firefighters arrived, someone began shooting at them, killing two. 'We do believe that the suspect started the fire and that it was an ambush, and it was intentional,' he told reporters. 'These firefighters did not have a chance.' A third firefighter, who was wounded was taken to hospital for surgery. 'He is fighting for his life, but he's in stable condition,' Norris said. Earlier, the sheriff's office said a tactical response team discovered the body of the suspect at Canfield Mountain with a firearm nearby. The office did not release his name. 'At this time, the shelter in place is being lifted, however, there is still an active wildfire on Canfield Mountain,' the statement said. Norris said the attacker had used a high-powered sporting rifle to fire rapidly at first responders, with law enforcement initially unsure of the number of perpetrators involved. About 300 law enforcement officers were deployed to the scene following the shooting. Video footage from the scene showed smoke billowing from heavily wooded hillsides and armed responders preparing, while several ambulances and emergency vehicles were seen entering a nearby hospital. Idaho Governor Brad Little condemned 'a heinous direct assault on our brave firefighters'. (Agencies)

Gunman dead after ambush on US firefighters in Idaho
Gunman dead after ambush on US firefighters in Idaho

LeMonde

time2 days ago

  • LeMonde

Gunman dead after ambush on US firefighters in Idaho

A man armed with a rifle started a wildfire Sunday, June 29 and then began shooting at first responders in a mountain community in Idaho, United States, killing two firefighters and wounding a third during a barrage of gunfire over several hours, authorities said. Authorities said late Sunday that the shooter was found dead and is believed to have acted alone. "Based on preliminary information we believe that was the only shooter," Kootenai County Sheriff Richard Norris told a news conference, adding "there is no threat to the community at this time." A shelter-in-place order was lifted Sunday night after a tactical response team used cell phone data to "hone in" on a wooded area where they found the suspect's body with a firearm nearby as flames rapidly approached, Norris said. Officials did not release his name, nor did they say what kind of gun was found. "We do believe that the suspect started the fire, and we do believe that it was an ambush and it was intentional," Norris said. "These firefighters did not have a chance." Sheriff's officials said crews responded to a fire at Canfield Mountain just north of Coeur d'Alene around 1:30 pm, and gunshots were reported about a half hour later. Investigators said the gunman acted alone. "We believe that was the only shooter that was on that mountain at that time," Norris said. Three victims were brought to Kootenai Health, said hospital spokesperson Kim Anderson. Two were dead on arrival and the third was being treated for injuries, Anderson said. The wounded firefighter was "fighting for his life" after surgery and was in stable condition, Norris said. Gov. Brad Little said "multiple" firefighting personnel were attacked. "This is a heinous direct assault on our brave firefighters," Little said on X. "I ask all Idahoans to pray for them and their families as we wait to learn more." Norris said it appeared the sniper was hiding in the rugged terrain and using a high-powered rifle. He said he instructed deputies to fire back. Just as the evening press conference was expected to begin, the bodies of the slain firefighters arrived in the nearby city of Spokane, Washington, escorted by a procession of fire and law enforcement vehicles. Firefighters and others saluted as the vehicles passed by.

Mystery of the ‘sailing stones' of Racetrack Playa: how San Diego scientists solved the enigma
Mystery of the ‘sailing stones' of Racetrack Playa: how San Diego scientists solved the enigma

Yahoo

time16-06-2025

  • Science
  • Yahoo

Mystery of the ‘sailing stones' of Racetrack Playa: how San Diego scientists solved the enigma

SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) — For decades, the enigmatic 'sailing stones' of Racetrack Playa in Death Valley National Park have captivated scientists and visitors alike. There are large rocks, some weighing up to 700 pounds, that leave behind long, winding trails across the dry lakebed. This phenomenon led to various theories about their movement—from alien interference to magnetic anomalies. However, a groundbreaking study led by researchers from the Scripps Institution of Oceanography at UC San Diego eventually uncovered the natural forces behind this geological mystery. In 2014, a team of scientists, including paleobiologist Richard Norris, his cousin James Norris and planetary scientist Ralph Lorenz, set up an ambitious experiment to observe the movement of these stones firsthand. They equipped 15 rocks with GPS trackers and established a high-resolution weather station at the southern end of Racetrack Playa. Their goal, according to the researchers, was to capture the rare conditions under which the stones move. Hike to the world's largest wooden trestle bridge in Southern California At last, a breakthrough occurred. After a series of wet winter storms, the playa was covered with a thin later of water, which froze overnight into a delicate sheet of ice. The following day, light winds caused the ice to break into large panels, which, driven by wind, moved the rocks across the playa. The GPS devices recorded the movement of the rocks, confirming that the ice sheets were indeed propelling them across the surface of the desert floor. This phenomenon, known as 'ice shove,' is common in polar regions, according to scientists, but had never been observed in such a desert environment before. This study revealed that the combination of water, ice and wind creates ideal conditions for the stones to move. The ice forms a thin, floating layer that, when broken up by winds, pushes the rocks across the soft, muddy surface, leaving behind their trails in the desert. Borrow a dead animal or fossil from this SoCal museum — no, seriously The finding of their study have been published in the journal PLOS ONE. It provides a scientific explanation for the marvel that had puzzled researchers and desert dwellers alike for over a century — and it's all thanks to those San Diego-based researchers. For those who wish to check out the 'sailing stones' in person, head to Death Valley National Park. Officials with the National Park Foundation have directed visitors to drive two miles south of the Grandstand parking area to the find the stones. 'While the precise location of the 'sailing stones' is always changing, you can usually get the best view by walking about a half-mile toward the southeast corner of the playa,' the park officials explained. While the scientific community has unraveled the mystery, the allure of these moving rocks continues to inspire wonder and curiosity. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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