Fact Check: Sheriff Confirms Active Sniper Fire During the Firefighting Operation
What We Know
On June 29, 2025, a tragic incident occurred in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, where firefighters responding to a wildfire were ambushed by sniper fire. According to Kootenai County Sheriff Robert Norris, during a press conference, he confirmed that "we are actively taking sniper fire as we speak" while emergency workers were still under attack (source). The sheriff indicated that the situation was chaotic, with multiple shots being fired from various directions, and he noted the use of "high-powered rifles" by the assailants (source). The attack resulted in the deaths of at least two firefighters, and additional injuries were reported among the responders (source).
Analysis
The claim that the sheriff confirmed active sniper fire during the firefighting operation is substantiated by multiple credible sources. Sheriff Norris's statements were reported by major news outlets, including The New York Times and USA Today, both of which provided detailed accounts of the incident and the sheriff's remarks (source, source). The immediate context of the shooting was a wildfire response, and the sheriff's comments about the ongoing sniper fire were made during a critical moment when the situation was still developing.
The sources reporting on this incident are reputable and well-established in journalism, which lends credibility to the information presented. The New York Times and USA Today have rigorous editorial standards, and their coverage of the event included direct quotes from law enforcement officials, adding to the reliability of the report (source, source). Furthermore, the involvement of the FBI, as confirmed by their spokesperson, indicates that this was a serious and ongoing law enforcement situation (source).
While some reports mentioned the uncertainty regarding the number of shooters involved, they consistently corroborated the sheriff's assertion about the active sniper fire, reinforcing the gravity of the situation (source, source).
Conclusion
The claim that the sheriff confirmed active sniper fire during the firefighting operation is True. The evidence from multiple reliable sources clearly indicates that Sheriff Norris made this statement during a press conference, highlighting the ongoing danger faced by first responders in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho.
