US firefighters killed in sniper ambush
Two firefighters were shot and killed in an apparent ambush while responding to a wildfire in the US state of Idaho on Sunday.
Emergency crews were dispatched to Canfield Mountain, a popular hiking and biking destination in Coeur d’Alene, around 1:30pm local time. Roughly 30 minutes later, reports of gunfire began coming in, according to the Kootenai County Sheriff’s Office.
Sheriff Robert Norris told reporters that a SWAT team had been deployed and was engaged in a firefight with the suspect. “We are actively taking sniper fire as we speak,” he said.
The Sheriff’s Office later stated that the body of the suspected gunman was found on Canfield Mountain, with a firearm located nearby.
Lieutenant Jeff Howard told ABC News that authorities are investigating whether the blaze was intentionally ignited to draw firefighters into a trap.
Civilians, including hikers, were seen fleeing the area.
FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino confirmed that federal agents were deployed to provide “tactical and operational support.” A police helicopter was dispatched to assist but was unable to land due to continued gunfire.
Idaho Governor Brad Little condemned the attack, calling it a “heinous direct assault on our brave firefighters.”
