COEUR D’ALENE, Idaho — A sniper who set a blaze in northern Idaho and fatally shot two firefighters responding to the fire was later found dead on a nearby mountain, authorities confirmed.
COEUR D’ALENE, Idaho — A sniper who set a blaze in northern Idaho and fatally shot two firefighters responding to the fire was later found dead on a nearby mountain, authorities confirmed.
The incident unfolded early Sunday afternoon on Canfield Mountain, a popular hiking destination just outside Coeur d’Alene. According to officials, the unidentified suspect ignited a fire to lure emergency responders. When the first firefighters arrived on the scene, the suspect opened fire in what police described as an ambush.
Two firefighters were killed in the shooting. Their identities have not yet been released.
Law enforcement launched a large-scale response, involving approximately 300 personnel from local, state, and federal agencies. The search led them into the mountainous terrain surrounding the fire site.
After nearly six hours of coordinated efforts, authorities discovered the suspect’s body on Canfield Mountain. Officials have not disclosed whether the suspect died by suicide or was shot during the law enforcement response.
“This was a targeted, premeditated act of violence,” a law enforcement spokesperson said. “Our hearts go out to the families of the brave responders who lost their lives.”
Residents in the surrounding areas were advised to stay indoors during the incident, though no other injuries were reported.
Authorities are continuing to investigate the motive behind the attack and are withholding the names of the victims and the suspect pending notification of next of kin.
Further details are expected in an upcoming press briefing.