The sniper attacked the rescue service in connection with the extinguishing of the flames in a mountainous area outside the city of Coeur d’Alene on Sunday local time. Even the summoned police were shot at during the several hour long operation that followed.
The two killed were firefighters. Another firefighter was shot and is being cared for at a hospital after the attack, reports AP. He is said to be fighting for his life.
After a large police effort, a suspected perpetrator was found dead. Next to him was a high-velocity weapon.
We believe it was a lone shooter, says Sheriff Rickard Norris according to media at a press conference some time later.
He adds that it is no longer considered that there is a risk to the general public.
We believe that the suspect started the fire and we believe it was an intentional ambush. The firefighters did not have a chance.
Canfield Mountain, where the exchange of shots took place, is a popular outdoor area and several people were assumed to be in the vicinity of both the fire and the intermittent intense gunfire.
