Man found dead with gun near site where Idaho firefighters were attacked in a surprise ambush

A man who had died was found by a SWAT team along with a firearm near the location where a sniper had shot and killed two firefighters and injured another while they were fighting a wildfire in Idaho. The confirmation about the discovery came from the authorities late Sunday.

The deceased person was located on Canfield Mountain, as stated by the Kootenai County Sheriff’s office. Although the shelter in place order was lifted, a wildfire was still active in the area, according to the sheriff’s office. More details are anticipated to be shared during a press conference scheduled for 12:30 a.m. ET.

The update came hours after the International Association of Fire Fighters confirmed that the two victims who were killed were firefighters.

The IAFF made a statement regarding the incident, describing it as a violent ambush on their members who were responding to a fire in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. The association reported the death of two firefighters and one member undergoing surgery. They requested prayers for the affected firefighters, their families, and law enforcement personnel.

FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino said the agency is on scene and that it is still very active and dangerous.

“FBI technical teams and tactical assets are currently on the scene providing support. It remains an active, and very dangerous scene,” Bongino said.

During a news conference, Kootenai County Sheriff Robert Norris said that at least two people were killed, possibly firefighters. Norris added that they are still “actively taking sniper fire” as he spoke.

In this photo provided by Mark Lathrop, a blaze burns in a community near Canfield Mountain where a sniper ambushed firefighters responding to the fire, just north of Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, Sunday, June 29, 2025. (Mark Lathrop via AP)

Norris added that he is “hoping that, somebody has a clear shot and is able to neutralize” the threat because it did not seem like the suspect(s) are going to surrender anytime soon.

“So as soon as somebody has a clear shot, I encourage them to take that shot and neutralize the threat,” Norris said. 

Attorney General Pam Bondi shared a statement and said more support was heading to Idaho.

“Thank you to our incredible @FBI agents on the ground assisting local authorities in Idaho. We are praying for all,” Bondi wrote.

Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem also said their department is actively monitoring the situation and that “justice will be served.” 

Idaho Governor Brad Little reacted to the incident in a post on X.

“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 wrote. “As this situation is still developing, please stay clear from the area to allow law enforcement and firefighters to do their jobs.”

Idaho Attorney General Raul Labrador also reacted to the situation, stating that this should never happen. 

“Deeply saddened by reports that firefighters were shot while bravely responding to a fire in North Idaho. These heroes put their lives on the line for us every day; they should never be targets,” Labrador said. “Please keep our first responders and their families in your prayers.”

Stepheny Price is a writer for Fox News Digital and Fox Business. She covers topics including missing persons, homicides, national crime cases, illegal immigration, and more. Story tips and ideas can be sent to [email protected]