At least two firefighters, who were combating a blaze, were ambushed by an unknown number of gunmen in the US state of Idaho on Sunday, media reports said.
While responding to a brush fire, at least two people were fatally shot and others were injured, Kootenai County Sheriff Robert Norris was quoted as saying by CNN during a news conference.
According to media reports, Norris later confirmed that one shooter had been found dead.
Sheriff Norris was quoted as saying by BBC that one shooter is dead, and he believed they acted alone, and there was now no threat to the community.
Speaking on the third injured firefighter, he told BBC that a third has just come out of surgery and is in a stable condition but “fighting for his life”.
Reactions
Idaho Governor Brad Little described the incident as ‘heinous’.
“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,” he posted on X.
US Senator for Idaho Jim Risch wrote on X: “This villainous attack on the people who dedicate their lives to protecting and serving our communities is despicable and NOT Idaho. We pray for the victims, their loved ones, and for justice.”
Attorney General Pam Bondi said: “Thank you to our incredible @FBI agents on the ground assisting local authorities in Idaho. We are praying for all.”
US Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem wrote on X: ” Pray for Idaho’s first responders. Justice will be served.”
Gun violence in US
Gun violence in the US remains a global talking point this year.
Quoting the Gun Violence Archive data, the BBC reported that 190 mass shootings have been reported this year in the country.
