Crime
UPDATE: Suspect found deceased on Canfield Mountain with firearm nearby
At least 2 firefighters dead, several wounded, Gunman still shooting
COEUR D’ALENE, Idaho — A suspected gunman has been found dead near a firearm on Canfield Mountain, following an hours-long active shooter situation that left two firefighters dead, another critically injured, and multiple agencies scrambling to contain both the violence and a still-active wildfire.
According to officials, the shelter-in-place order has now been lifted, though law enforcement continues to secure the area and assess whether additional suspects may be involved. The wildfire, which first drew firefighters to the scene, remains active and uncontained.
Timeline of Events
- At 1:21 p.m., fire crews were dispatched to a reported brush fire on the east side of Canfield Mountain, near Coeur d’Alene.
- By 2:00 p.m., emergency radio traffic confirmed that firefighters were under sniper fire upon arrival.
- Two members of the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) were killed in what authorities have called a deliberate and calculated ambush. A third firefighter remains in surgery.
- The Kootenai County Sheriff’s Office declared a mass casualty incident, activating multiple law enforcement agencies and aerial support units.
Sheriff Bob Norris described the scene as one of the most dangerous law enforcement has encountered in recent history.
At one point during the standoff, officers reported “actively taking sniper fire” from elevated terrain on the mountain.
Sheriff Norris confirmed the suspect was using a high-powered, modern sporting rifle, and noted that additional shooters had not been ruled out.
“This was a heinous act of violence against first responders who were trying to protect our community,” said Sheriff Norris. “We are grieving alongside their families.”
In an extraordinary and urgent appeal during the incident, Norris publicly encouraged any armed residents with a clear line of sight to “neutralize the threat”, stating:
“At this point in time, they are showing no signs of surrender. So as soon as someone has a clear shot, I encourage them to take that shot and neutralize the threat.”
When asked if gunfire was coming from more than one location, the sheriff responded:
“Yes. Oh, yeah. That’s what the officers and deputies are reporting up on the mountain right now.”
As of late afternoon, law enforcement reported the discovery of a deceased individual near a firearm, believed to be the suspected shooter.
Authorities are working to confirm the person’s identity and role in the attack. The presence of other possible suspects has not been definitively ruled out.
- Two Spokane County Sheriff helicopters assisted in the search and containment effort.
- Medical helicopters were used to evacuate the wounded.
- Fire crews remain on standby as the wildfire continues to pose a threat to surrounding areas, especially after initial teams were forced to withdraw under gunfire.
A press conference is expected within the next several hours, where officials will provide further updates on the suspect, the victims, and the scope of the investigation.
Authorities are urging the public to avoid the Canfield Mountain area and to report any suspicious activity.
The Kootenai County Sheriff’s Office, along with state and federal partners, is leading the investigation into what has now become one of Idaho’s most tragic and complex public safety incidents in recent memory.
This is a developing story.
Crime
Former Texas Worship Minister and Christian Musician Jon Sheptock Arrested on Child Sexual Abuse Material Charges
MONTGOMERY COUNTY, Texas — A married Christian musician and former worship minister who once performed at a rally for former President Donald Trump has been arrested on multiple child sexual abuse material (CSAM) charges, authorities confirmed.
According to officials, Jon Sheptock, a former minister at First Montgomery Baptist Church, was taken into custody on September 26 by detectives from the Montgomery County Constable’s Human Trafficking and Child Exploitation Unit.
He faces charges of possession and production of child pornography following a detailed investigation into allegations of long-term misconduct.
The arrest was based on testimony from a woman who alleged that Sheptock stole a photograph of her approximately nine years ago, when she was 17 years old.
The victim told investigators that after sending her the image, Sheptock demanded explicit photographs and later sent her a video depicting a violent assault, warning that he “did not want that to happen to her.”
Court records further indicate that Sheptock showed the victim nude images of both adults and minors on his computer.
Investigators allege that the misconduct continued as recently as October 2023, when Sheptock reportedly sent a text message to the victim containing a nude image of young girls.
Before his arrest, Sheptock was widely known as a Christian recording artist and motivational speaker.
His now-deleted website biography stated that he was born without arms and with one leg shorter than the other, yet went on to describe himself as a “thriving Christian recording artist and speaker.” He has been married for 26 years and is the father of three daughters.
In a public statement, First Montgomery Baptist Church confirmed that Sheptock was immediately removed from all ministry responsibilities following his arrest.
The church emphasized that Sheptock did not hold any position involving direct contact with children, and there is no indication that minors associated with the church were involved or affected.
Sheptock gained wider public attention in January 2022, when he performed the national anthem at a rally for then-President Donald Trump, according to The Independent.
If convicted, Sheptock faces a potential prison sentence ranging from two to twenty years.
The investigation remains ongoing, and authorities are encouraging anyone with additional information to contact the Montgomery County Constable’s Office Human Traffic.