Fact Check: "Governor calls sniper attack on firefighters a heinous direct assault."
What We Know
On June 29, 2025, two firefighters were killed in an ambush while responding to a wildfire on Canfield Mountain in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho. The Kootenai County Sheriff, Bob Norris, confirmed that an armed man started the fire and then opened fire on the firefighters, resulting in their deaths and injuring a third firefighter. Norris described the incident as a "total ambush" and stated that the attack was intentional, emphasizing that the firefighters "did not have a chance" (NPR, PBS).
Idaho Governor Brad Little addressed the situation on social media, stating, "This is a heinous direct assault on our brave firefighters" (NPR, PBS). The sheriff's office confirmed that the body of the suspected shooter was found at the scene, alongside a weapon, indicating that he was likely the only shooter involved (NPR, PBS).
Analysis
The claim that Governor Brad Little referred to the sniper attack as a "heinous direct assault" is supported by multiple credible sources. Both NPR and PBS reported his statement directly, confirming that he used the term "heinous" to describe the attack on the firefighters (NPR, PBS).
The reliability of these sources is high; NPR is a well-established news organization known for its rigorous journalistic standards, and PBS is similarly respected in the field of public broadcasting. Both outlets provided detailed accounts of the events, including quotes from law enforcement officials and the governor, which adds to the credibility of the information presented.
In addition, the statements made by Sheriff Bob Norris corroborate the governor's characterization of the attack, as he described it as intentional and an ambush, reinforcing the severity of the situation (NPR, PBS).
Conclusion
The claim that Governor Brad Little called the sniper attack on firefighters a "heinous direct assault" is True. This is substantiated by direct quotes from the governor reported by multiple reputable news sources, alongside corroborating statements from law enforcement officials regarding the nature of the attack.
