Coeur d’Alene, Idaho – A sniper who authorities believe intentionally set a wildfire to lure emergency responders into an ambush has been found dead in the woods near Coeur d’Alene. The violence erupted on Sunday afternoon when the gunman opened fire on firefighters, killing two and injuring a third.
A Deliberate Trap for First Responders
The events unfolded shortly after 1:30 p.m. on Sunday when firefighters were dispatched to a blaze on Canfield Mountain, located just north of Coeur d’Alene. Authorities believe that the fire was deliberately started by the suspect as a trap to draw first responders into range.
Kootenai County Sheriff Robert Norris confirmed during a press briefing that the shooting was intentional and the firefighters were ambushed without warning.
“We do believe that the suspect started the fire, and we do believe that it was an ambush and it was intentional,” Sheriff Norris stated. “These firefighters did not have a chance.”
Gunfire Erupts as Firefighting Crews Arrive
Within 30 minutes of fire crews arriving at the scene, gunshots rang out, and the attack on the firefighters began. As the gunfire continued throughout the afternoon, more than 300 law enforcement officers swarmed the area. Snipers in helicopters and tactical units used cell phone data to pinpoint the shooter’s location.
The suspect was tracked to a remote wooded area, where authorities discovered his body later that evening. Along with his body, a rifle was found, and flames were quickly spreading throughout the area.
It remains unclear if the gunman died from return fire from law enforcement or if he took his own life. His identity and motive are still under investigation.
The Tragic Loss of Two Firefighters
Two firefighters, one from Coeur d’Alene and the other from Kootenai County Fire and Rescue, were tragically killed in the ambush. A third firefighter, also from Coeur d’Alene, was injured and required surgery.
The firefighter remains in stable condition, though he is still “fighting for his life,” according to the hospital where the victims were taken. The hospital confirmed that two of the firefighters were dead on arrival, and the third is still being treated.
Governor’s Condemnation and Community Response
Governor Brad Little condemned the attack as a “heinous direct assault” on first responders, and he called for prayers across the state for those affected by the tragedy. “This is a dark day for Idaho,” Governor Little said, expressing deep concern over the violence targeted at those who risk their lives to protect the community.
By Sunday night, authorities confirmed that a shelter-in-place order had been lifted and that all civilians, including hikers on the mountain, had safely evacuated. However, the wildfire, which had grown to 20 acres, continued to present a serious threat to the area, and firefighters were still working to contain the flames.
Investigating the Motive
At this time, authorities have not revealed the identity of the gunman or his possible motive for the attack. Investigators are working to piece together what led to this tragic event, but the fact that the shooting occurred as a result of a deliberate ambush has shaken the community.