Crime
At least 2 firefighters dead, several wounded in active shooter incident in Coeur d’Alene, Gunman still shooting
There is believed to be people trapped on the mountain.
COEUR D’ALENE, Idaho — A devastating active shooter incident in northern Idaho has left at least two people dead and several others wounded, including firefighters who were reportedly ambushed while responding to a wildfire near Canfield Mountain.
Authorities have declared the situation a mass casualty incident as the emergency response continues.
The Kootenai County Sheriff’s Office has confirmed that firefighters came under immediate gunfire upon arrival at the scene of a brush fire along East Nettleton Gulch Road.
Scanner audio from Kootenai County Fire units revealed the intensity of the situation, with emergency personnel calling for urgent assistance and warning other units to stay away.
“There’s an active shooter zone! They’re shot down. BC3’s down, BC1’s down. Everybody’s shot up here. Law enforcement, Code 3 now up here! … Get out of the way. Engine Brush 551, do not come up here,” one radio transmission stated.
Authorities believe the fire may have been intentionally set to lure firefighters into an ambush. Multiple personnel from the Northern Lakes Fire Protection District were shot as they attempted to contain the blaze.
According to Fire Chief Pat Riley, the attack happened with little warning as crews arrived to battle the growing wildfire.
As of this report, at least two fatalities have been confirmed. Several others remain injured, though the exact number of victims is still being determined.
First responders continue to search the area, and wounded individuals are still being located.
Due to the active and dangerous nature of the scene, fire crews were forced to retreat, allowing the wildfire to burn unchecked in at least two major areas. The full extent of the fire’s spread and structural damage remains unknown.
The Kootenai County Sheriff’s Office issued a public alert urging residents to avoid the area:
“Active shooter at Canfield Mountain. Injuries are reported, but the extent is unknown. Avoid the area.”
The identity and number of suspects are still unclear. A possible suspect vehicle has been located, and two Spokane County Sheriff’s Office helicopters are assisting in the aerial search for the shooter or shooters.
One medical helicopter was also deployed to transport critically injured victims from the scene.
Lieutenant Jeff Howard of the Kootenai County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that this is an ongoing and fluid investigation.
Residents are being strongly advised to remain indoors, stay alert, and follow all instructions from law enforcement.
This remains a developing story. Officials are expected to provide further updates as more details become available.
Crime
Noemi Hernandez, Mother of Four Murdered By Her Husband Hector Luvianos Two Days Before Christmas
BATAVIA, Ill. — A devastating domestic homicide has left a family and community in mourning just days before Christmas.
Noemi Hernandez, a devoted mother of four, was fatally attacked in the early morning hours of Tuesday, Dec. 23, in what prosecutors allege was a violent act committed by her husband.
The incident occurred at an apartment building in the 100 block of Church Street in Batavia.
According to court records and police reports, at approximately 4:37 a.m., Batavia police were dispatched after a man contacted emergency dispatchers and stated that he had killed his wife.
Responding officers located the man outside the apartment building and took him into custody without incident.
When officers entered the apartment, they found Hernandez suffering from severe, life-threatening injuries.
First responders immediately attempted life-saving measures; however, she was pronounced dead at the scene.
Authorities identified the suspect as Hector B. Luvianos, 37, who was transported to the Batavia Police Department for questioning.
With assistance from the Kane County Major Crimes Task Force, investigators determined the incident was domestic-related and involved only the two individuals. Police emphasized that there is no ongoing threat to the public.
On Dec. 24, 2025, Kane County State’s Attorney Jamie L. Mosser and Batavia Police Chief Eric Blowers announced that Luvianos has been formally charged with first-degree murder, a Class M felony under Illinois law.
He appeared in court the same day for a pretrial detention hearing, after which a judge ordered him held in the Kane County Jail while the case proceeds.
The Kane County Coroner’s Office responded to the scene, and an autopsy is scheduled to determine the official cause and manner of Hernandez’s death.
In the wake of the tragedy, Hernandez’s family has launched a GoFundMe campaign to help cover funeral and related expenses.
In the fundraiser, the family described Noemi as “the heart of her family,” noting that she worked tirelessly, loved deeply, and always placed her children first. Her sudden death, they wrote, has left the family emotionally devastated and financially unprepared.
As an immigrant family with limited resources and no life insurance, they now face the burden of funeral and cremation costs, legal fees, and other unexpected expenses, all while supporting four children grieving the loss of their mother.
The family is asking for community support to allow them to lay Noemi to rest with dignity and focus on healing rather than financial hardship.
The investigation remains ongoing.