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
Agent Nic Graham Dies After Being Shot in Lakewood Police Shootout With Suspect Gabriel Garcia on RTD Bus
LAKEWOOD, Colorado — A Lakewood police agent who was critically wounded during a shootout with a suspect aboard an RTD bus has died, authorities confirmed. The fallen officer was identified as Nic Graham, a member of the Lakewood Police Department since 2019.
Graham was among four police agents injured Thursday evening when an armed confrontation erupted near Colfax Avenue and Wadsworth Boulevard. A civilian bystander was also struck by gunfire.
The shooting followed a police search for a suspect connected to a hit-and-run crash reported earlier in the day.
Police said the incident initially began shortly before 3:45 p.m. Thursday, following a hit-and-run collision near Kipling Street and West 13th Avenue in Lakewood.
Witnesses told investigators that the suspect ran away almost immediately after the crash. However, they provided officers with a description that helped police identify and search for the individual.
Lakewood Police Public Information Agent John Romero said witnesses were able to give officers a useful description of the person who fled the scene.
Several hours later, at approximately 6:30 p.m., a Lakewood police agent recognized the individual boarding an RTD bus near Colfax Avenue and Wadsworth Boulevard.
Officers approached the suspect at approximately 6:32 p.m. Police said the individual opened fire on officers, resulting in an exchange of gunfire.
Responding officers returned fire, striking the suspect. The individual was pronounced dead at the scene and was identified as Gabriel Garcia.
Garcia was reportedly on parole when the shooting occurred.
The circumstances surrounding the confrontation remain part of the ongoing investigation.
Four Lakewood police agents suffered gunshot wounds during the confrontation. Their injuries ranged from serious to critical, and all four were transported to nearby hospitals.
Despite receiving emergency medical treatment, Graham later died from his injuries.
One civilian bystander was also hit by gunfire and hospitalized. The person’s condition had not been publicly disclosed as of Friday afternoon.
Hospital updates released Friday morning indicated that two agents treated at Denver Health Medical Center had been released. Another remained hospitalized, while officials had not provided a complete update on the remaining injured individuals.
Graham began serving with the Lakewood Police Department in 2019 after graduating from the police academy.
Throughout his law enforcement career, he contributed to criminal investigations and earned recognition for his work.
One of his notable achievements came in 2023, when he received the department’s Special Investigations Unit Wingman Award for his contributions to investigations targeting gang members.
Police Chief Philip Smith paid tribute to Graham, highlighting his dedication, compassion and commitment to helping others.
Chief Smith said Graham demonstrated those qualities throughout his career, from his early days on patrol to his investigative work.
His death has left the department and the wider Lakewood community grieving the loss of an officer who dedicated his career to public service.
The investigation remains ongoing as authorities examine the circumstances that led to the deadly confrontation.
The shooting resulted in the death of suspect Gabriel Garcia, the fatal injury of Agent Nic Graham, injuries to three additional police agents and a civilian bystander.
Officials have not released a final investigative account of the incident. Further updates are expected as investigators establish the complete sequence of events.