Fact Check: Suspect found dead with firearm after ambushing firefighters
What We Know
On June 29, 2025, a tragic incident occurred in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, where two firefighters were killed while responding to a brush fire. The Kootenai County Sheriff, Robert Norris, confirmed that the firefighters were ambushed by a sniper, and a male suspect was later found dead with a firearm nearby (Washington Post, Fox News). The ambush was described as intentional, with Sheriff Norris stating, "This was a total ambush. These firefighters did not have a chance" (Fox News).
The suspect was located on Canfield Mountain, and the circumstances surrounding his death are still under investigation. Authorities believe that the suspect may have started the fire to lure the firefighters into the ambush (NBC News, Fox News).
Analysis
The claim that a suspect was found dead with a firearm after ambushing firefighters is supported by multiple credible sources. The Kootenai County Sheriff's office provided direct confirmation of the events, stating that two firefighters were killed and a suspect was later found dead with a firearm (Washington Post).
Fox News also reported on the incident, detailing how the suspect was found and the context of the ambush, which involved a sniper attack on the firefighters (Fox News). The reliability of these sources is high, as they are established news organizations that adhere to journalistic standards.
However, it is important to note that while the suspect was found dead, the exact circumstances of his death—whether it was due to law enforcement action or suicide—are still under investigation (Fox News). This uncertainty does not negate the fact that he was found dead with a firearm, which aligns with the claim being evaluated.
Conclusion
The claim that a suspect was found dead with a firearm after ambushing firefighters is True. The evidence from multiple reputable sources confirms that the suspect was indeed found deceased with a firearm in the vicinity of the ambush site, following the fatal attack on the firefighters.
