Kootenai County Sheriff warns of sniper fire during the search for the perpetrator.
Sheriff Bob Norris believes the victims were part of the firefighting team. It is unclear if additional people were injured.
The sheriff stated that it is not clear if there is one or more shooters, and advised the public to avoid the area.
“We do not know the number of suspects or criminals present, and we are currently under sniper fire,” Norris informed the media.
Canfield Mountain, a frequently hiked area, is situated near Coeur d’Alene, a city of 57,000 residents approximately 260 miles (420 km) east of Seattle, Washington.
Norris mentioned that the shooter or shooters were using high-powered rifles to fire rapidly at emergency responders and that there is no indication of a desire to surrender.
The sheriff said the perpetrator seemed to be hiding in the challenging terrain and using a high-powered rifle. He directed deputies to return fire.
“If these individuals are not neutralized quickly, this is likely to become a multi-day operation,” he added.
Idaho Governor Brad Little stated that multiple firefighters were attacked.
“This is a heinous and direct assault on our brave firefighters, and I urge all Idahoans to pray for them and their families as we await further information,” he said on X.
Little did not provide further details on the casualties or the incident’s progression.
“As this situation is still unfolding, please stay away from the area to allow law enforcement and firefighters to do their jobs,” Little added.
Authorities are investigating whether the fire might have been intentionally set to lure first responders to the scene, according to Kootenai County Sheriff’s Lieutenant Jeff Howard.
ABC News reported that Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem has been briefed on the shooting.
The FBI has sent technical teams and tactical support to the scene.
“This remains an active and highly dangerous situation,” the FBI’s deputy director, Dan Bongino, said on X.
Gun ownership is widespread in the United States, where the Constitution protects the right of Americans to own firearms.
Deaths from gun violence are common. According to the latest available data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, at least 17,927 people were murdered with a gun in 2023 in the US.
