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
Angela Johnson and Her Son DeAngelo Johnson Killed After Shooting Inside Home in Chicago, Mother’s Boyfriend in Custody
CHICAGO — A 47-year-old mother and her 27-year-old son were fatally shot inside a residence in Chicago’s Austin neighborhood on the West Side late Thursday night, September 24, 2026, according to Chicago police.
The victims were identified as Angela Johnson, 47, and DeAngelo Johnson, 27. Police said a suspect, identified as Angela Johnson’s boyfriend, was taken into custody following the shooting.
The deadly shooting happened in the 800 block of North Parkside Avenue at approximately 10:43 p.m. Witnesses reported hearing gunshots coming from the basement of the residence and called 911.
When Chicago police officers arrived, they found the two victims suffering from gunshot wounds.
Angela Johnson was found in the basement with a gunshot wound to her chest. Police-radio traffic indicated she had been shot on the right side of her chest.
DeAngelo Johnson was found on the first floor with multiple gunshot wounds. Radio traffic indicated that he had suffered two gunshot wounds to his back.
Both victims were initially unresponsive and in critical condition. Emergency personnel performed CPR on DeAngelo Johnson before both victims were transported to Mount Sinai Hospital, where they were pronounced dead.
According to police-radio traffic, one victim was pronounced dead at approximately 11:18 p.m., while the male victim was pronounced dead around 11:21 p.m.
Investigators found extensive evidence inside the residence, including approximately 23 shell casings in a basement bedroom. Additional shell casings were reportedly recovered in other areas of the basement, including the stairway, main room and bedroom.
Officers initially recovered a firearm and shell casings from the basement bedroom. Police later located a second firearm inside the home, bringing the total number of recovered firearms to two.
Authorities have not publicly stated who owned the firearms or confirmed which weapon, if either, was used in the fatal shooting.
Police also reported that DeAngelo Johnson was wearing an empty holster when officers found him on the first floor. That discovery prompted an officer-safety alert as officers searched the residence for the missing firearm.
Chicago police said the shooting appeared to be domestic-related and identified the alleged offender as the mother’s boyfriend.
Radio traffic indicated that a person had been detained by approximately 11:26 p.m. The official police report later confirmed that the known offender was taken into custody.
Two witnesses were reportedly available to identify the alleged offender, and officers conducted a show-up identification procedure near the scene.
Police have not released additional information about potential charges against the suspect.
The investigation into the Chicago Austin neighborhood double shooting remains ongoing. Detectives are continuing to examine the circumstances that led to the shooting, the relationship between the people involved and the role of the two recovered firearms.
The deaths of Angela Johnson and DeAngelo Johnson are being investigated as a double homicide.