Fact Check: High-powered rifles used in ambush, creating a terrifying scene for firefighters
What We Know
On June 29, 2025, two firefighters were fatally shot while responding to a brush fire near Coeur d'Alene, Idaho. The Kootenai County Sheriff's Office reported that the firefighters were ambushed by a suspect who opened fire with a high-powered rifle. One additional firefighter was injured in the incident. The sheriff described the attack as a "total ambush," stating that the firefighters "did not have a chance" (BBC, Reuters).
The incident unfolded as firefighters were responding to a fire that had grown to 20 acres. The suspect, believed to have started the fire intentionally, was later found deceased near the scene, along with a firearm (Washington Post, CBS News).
Analysis
The claim that high-powered rifles were used in the ambush is substantiated by multiple sources. The Kootenai County Sheriff confirmed that the assailant used a high-powered rifle to shoot at the firefighters, which aligns with the descriptions provided by law enforcement officials (BBC, CBS News).
The reliability of the sources is high, as they include reputable news organizations such as the BBC, Reuters, and CBS News, all of which have reported on the incident with consistent details. The sheriff's statements provide authoritative confirmation of the events, including the nature of the attack and the weapon used.
However, it is important to note that while the term "high-powered rifle" is used, specific details about the make and model of the firearm have not been disclosed as of the latest reports (Reuters). This lack of specific information does not undermine the claim but indicates that further investigation is ongoing.
Conclusion
The claim that high-powered rifles were used in an ambush that created a terrifying scene for firefighters is True. The evidence from multiple credible sources confirms that the firefighters were attacked with a high-powered rifle while responding to a fire, leading to the tragic deaths of two firefighters and injuries to another.
Sources
- Two US firefighters shot dead in 'total ambush', police say
- Two firefighters killed in Idaho ambush, suspect dead, ...
- Firefighters ambushed responding to blaze in Idaho ...
- 2 firefighters killed in ambush in Idaho, shot at while ...
- Suspected Idaho sniper dead after killing 2 firefighters in 'total ambush'
