A lone wolf in an area known for White Supremacists/Neo Nazi in Kootenai County, Idaho, started a brush fire then ambushed the first responders who responded to the reports of the fire. The unidentified gunman killed two firefighters and injured another.
Kootenai County Sheriff Bob Norris said a body of a man believed to be the shooter acted alone; a weapon was discovered near the body. It’s unclear if the shooter took his own life. Authorities believe the shootings were intentional.
"We do believe the suspect started the fire, it was an ambush and it was totally intentional," Norris said. "This was a total ambush. These firefighters did not have a chance. Based on the preliminary investigation, we believe that is the only shooter on the mountain at that time. There is no threat to the community at this time."
NPR:
Speaking at a late Sunday evening news conference, Norris said a cell phone signal led authorities to discovering the dead body.
Thoughts and Prayers!
Idaho Gov. Brad Little issued a statement Sunday evening expressing condolences for the fallen firefighters and their families.
"Multiple heroic firefighters were attacked today while responding to a fire in North Idaho. This is a heinous direct assault on our brave firefighters. I ask all Idahoans to pray for them and their families as we wait to learn more. Teresa and I are heartbroken," Little said.
Idaho's congressional delegation also issued statements of support for first responders and the families of victims.
Rep. Mike Simpson called the incident "gut-wrenching news coming from Coeur d'Alene" and said "our thoughts and prayers are with the brave firefighters and all first responders on the scene."
Sen. Mike Crapo said he is "monitoring the horrific reports out of Coeur d'Alene this evening" and urged "local residents to follow recommendations of law enforcement." He added that his "prayers are with victims and first responders."
Sen. Jim Risch said he and his wife "are monitoring the incident in Kootenai County" and "pray for the safety of our brave first responders."
KTVB:
