Crime
Two Firefighters Killed, One in Surgery After IAFF Members Ambushed While Responding to Wildfire in Coeur d’Alene
COEUR D’ALENE, Idaho — A devastating and ongoing active shooter situation unfolded today near Canfield Mountain in northern Idaho, where firefighters were ambushed by sniper fire while responding to a wildfire, resulting in at least two confirmed fatalities and multiple other casualties.
Authorities have described the attack as a targeted and violent act, and the area remains extremely dangerous.
According to initial reports, fire units responded around 1:21 p.m. to a brush fire reported on the east side of Canfield Mountain.
By approximately 2:00 p.m., distress calls were made indicating that firefighters were being shot at.
The International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) later confirmed that two firefighters were killed, and a third remains in surgery after being critically wounded.
“While responding to a fire earlier today in Coeur d’Alene, IAFF members were ambushed in a heinous act of violence. Two of our brothers were killed by a sniper, and a third brother remains in surgery. Please keep them, their families, and law enforcement in your prayers,” the IAFF said in a statement.
Kootenai County Sheriff Bob Norris confirmed in a preliminary briefing that officers and deputies are “actively taking sniper fire” from elevated terrain on Canfield Mountain.
The shooter is believed to be using modern, high-powered sporting rifles, and the terrain is proving difficult for responders to navigate safely.
“This is a very fresh and active situation,” Sheriff Norris stated. “If these individuals are not neutralized quickly, this could likely turn into a multi-day operation.”
The shelter-in-place order remains in effect, and officials are urging all residents to stay indoors and away from the Canfield Mountain area.
Authorities are also concerned that civilians may be trapped or in shock on the mountain and are working to locate and assist them.
In an extraordinary and urgent public message, Sheriff Norris called on armed residents in the area to assist, stating:
“I’m hoping somebody has a clear shot and is able to neutralize [the shooter], because they’re not showing any indication of wanting to surrender. So as soon as someone has a clear shot, I encourage them to take that shot and neutralize the threat.”
When asked by reporters if there could be multiple shooters, Norris replied:
“Yes. Oh, yeah. Yep. That’s what the officers and deputies are reporting up on the mountain right now.”
Authorities are still trying to determine whether gunfire is coming from multiple shooters or a single suspect moving between positions.
- Two Spokane County Sheriff’s helicopters are assisting with aerial surveillance and suspect detection.
- A medical helicopter was deployed to evacuate critically injured victims.
- A possible suspect vehicle has been located, but no arrests have been made as of this report.
Due to continued sniper fire, fire crews were forced to retreat, leaving the wildfire on Canfield Mountain actively burning and uncontained.
A formal press conference is expected within the next 3 to 4 hours, barring any major developments.
This is an active and extremely dangerous situation.
Local, state, and federal agencies remain engaged in a unified response.
Residents are urged to avoid the area and monitor official updates for further instructions.
This story is developing.
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.