Fact Check: Idaho Governor calls shooting a heinous assault on firefighters.

Fact Check: Idaho Governor Calls Shooting a Heinous Assault on Firefighters

What We Know

On June 29, 2025, two firefighters were tragically killed in an ambush while responding to a wildfire in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho. The incident involved a man who started the fire and then opened fire on the firefighters, resulting in their deaths and injuries to another firefighter. Local authorities confirmed that the shooting was intentional, describing it as a "total ambush" (NPR, Reuters).

Idaho Governor Brad Little addressed the situation through a post on social media, stating that the firefighters were "attacked while responding to a fire in North Idaho" and labeled the act as "a heinous direct assault on our brave firefighters" (NPR, NBC News). This statement aligns with the sentiments expressed by local law enforcement, who emphasized the unexpected nature of the attack on the firefighters, who are typically unprepared for such ambush scenarios (NPR).

Analysis

The claim that Idaho Governor Brad Little referred to the shooting as a "heinous assault on firefighters" is substantiated by multiple credible sources. His statement was made shortly after the incident, highlighting the severity of the attack and the danger faced by emergency responders in such situations. The governor's characterization of the event as a "heinous direct assault" reflects both the gravity of the crime and the emotional impact it has on the community and the firefighting profession.

The sources reporting on this incident, including NPR and Reuters, are reputable news organizations known for their journalistic integrity. They provided detailed accounts of the events, including the timeline of the shooting and the response from local authorities (NPR, Reuters). The consistency across these reports enhances the reliability of the information regarding the governor's statement.

Furthermore, the context of the shooting—an ambush on first responders—adds weight to the governor's choice of words. Such attacks on emergency personnel are exceedingly rare and evoke strong reactions from both the public and officials, reinforcing the notion that this was not merely a tragic accident but a deliberate act of violence against those who serve the community.

Conclusion

The claim that Idaho Governor Brad Little called the shooting a "heinous assault on firefighters" is True. His statement accurately reflects the nature of the attack and underscores the risks faced by firefighters and first responders. The evidence from credible news sources confirms the governor's remarks and the context surrounding the tragic event.

Fact Check: Idaho Governor calls shooting a heinous assault on firefighters.