Idaho sheriff's chilling quote on Coeur d'Alene active shooter incident sums up horror
At least two people were killed and multiple injured after a sniper opened fire on firefighters responding to a fire in a northern Idaho mountain community on Sunday
An Idaho sheriff issued a dire warning following a deadly sniper attack on firefighters tackling a blaze in a northern Idaho mountain community on Sunday, which resulted in at least two fatalities and numerous injuries.
The Kootenai County Sheriff's Office reported that teams were dispatched to a fire at Canfield Mountain just north of Coeur d'Alene around 1:30 p. m. , with gunfire erupting approximately 30 minutes later.
Sheriff Bob Norris disclosed that the two individuals killed were believed to be part of the fire crew. "We don't know how many suspects are there, and we don't know how many casualties there are," Norris stated during an afternoon press briefing, emphasizing: "We are actively taking sniper fire as we speak."
"We have two deaths and an unknown amount of casualties. We still have civilians coming off of that mountain. We might have civilians who are stuck or are in shock on that mountain," Sheriff Bob Norris informed, as reported by ABC 7 Chicago.
A coalition of local and federal agencies is responding to the crisis. Authorities declared their readiness to "We are prepared to neutralize this suspect who is actively shooting at public safety personnel as quickly as possible," noting their uncertainty about "who the suspects are or how many there are."
The sheriff's office indicated that "Modern day sporting rifles and high powered rifles" are being utilized by the assailant(s).
"If these individuals are not neutralized quickly, this is likely going to be a multi-day situation," the Sheriff cautioned.
Gov. Brad Little condemned a "heinous direct assault" after "multiple" firefighters were attacked, urging the community to keep them in their thoughts. "I ask all Idahoans to pray for them and their families as we wait to learn more," Little stated on X.
Sheriff Norris described how the sniper seemed to have concealed themselves in the rugged terrain, armed with a high-powered rifle, prompting him to order deputies to return fire. Norris expressed his hope for a resolution, saying, "I hoped that somebody has a clear shot and is able to neutralize, because they're not at this point in time showing any evidence of wanting to surrender."
Northern Lakes Fire Protection Chief Pat Riley reported that firefighters were shot at while responding to a bushfire near East Nettleton Gulch Road. The Kootenai County Sheriff's Office issued a warning to residents: "Active shooter at Canfield Mountain. Injuries are reported, but the extent is unknown. Avoid the area."
The situation remains dangerous as the fire continues to burn, according to Norris. "It's going to keep burning," he said.
"Can't put any resources on it right now."
