Stolen Ambulance WEAPONIZED In Planned ATTACK

Red and white ambulance driving on street.

A stolen ambulance weaponized with pre-staged gasoline canisters was deliberately driven into a federal building housing Department of Homeland Security offices in Meridian, Idaho, marking a chilling escalation in attacks on government facilities.

Story Snapshot

Suspect stole a Canyon County Paramedics ambulance from St. Luke’s hospital and rammed it into the Portico North building housing DHS offices
Pre-staged accelerants in nearby bushes reveal premeditated attack plan, though suspect failed to ignite the fire before fleeing
FBI and ATF joined local police in investigating the attempted arson at the federal facility
Suspect remains at large despite multi-agency manhunt, though authorities say no ongoing public threat exists

Premeditated Attack on Federal Facility

The incident unfolded Wednesday night when an unidentified suspect stole an ambulance from St. Luke’s Meridian and drove it directly into the Portico North office building. The building houses both medical offices and Department of Homeland Security facilities, which began leasing space there in fall 2025. This was no crime of opportunity. The suspect had positioned gas cans in bushes near the building beforehand, demonstrating clear planning and intent to cause maximum destruction. The failure to ignite the accelerant before officers arrived may have prevented a catastrophic outcome.

Multi-Agency Response to Federal Threat

Meridian Police Chief Tracy Basterrechea made clear this incident represents serious violent crime, not merely property damage. The FBI immediately joined the investigation given the federal building targeting, while the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms took lead on the arson investigation. The ATF coordinated directly with the Attorney General’s office, signaling the gravity authorities assign to this case. Multiple agencies continue pursuing surveillance footage and witness accounts, though the suspect’s identity and motivation remain unknown. The coordination between local, state, and federal agencies demonstrates the threat assessment being applied here.

Emergency Services Weaponized Against Community

The theft stripped Canyon County Paramedics of a critical emergency response vehicle precisely when the community depends on rapid medical assistance. This wasn’t just vehicle theft; it transformed a lifesaving resource into a weapon aimed at federal employees and surrounding businesses. The Portico North building suffered significant structural damage, with shattered glass and debris forcing nearby businesses including Ling and Louie’s and Starbucks to close operations. The ripple effects touched multiple aspects of community function, from emergency medical capacity to local commerce and public confidence in facility security.

Security Vulnerabilities Exposed

The ease with which the suspect accessed and stole an ambulance from a hospital bay raises uncomfortable questions about emergency vehicle security protocols. Medical facilities balance accessibility for rapid response with theft prevention, but this incident exposes critical vulnerabilities that malicious actors can exploit. The targeting of a newly occupied DHS facility suggests either inside knowledge or reconnaissance activity that went undetected. Chief Basterrechea’s emphasis that property damage constitutes real violence reflects the understanding that this attack, had it succeeded in igniting the accelerants, could have resulted in casualties among federal employees and first responders.

Investigation Continues as Suspect Evades Capture

Despite the coordinated law enforcement response and multi-agency investigation, the suspect successfully fled the scene and remains unidentified. Authorities recovered the ambulance approximately 40 minutes after daybreak, towing it from the building as evidence collection continued. Police have assured the public no ongoing threat exists, though the absence of suspect information leaves residents reasonably concerned. Anyone with information can contact Meridian Police at 208-888-6678 or [email protected]. The reference to previous incidents at the same building during the preceding week adds another layer of mystery, though investigators have not established any connection between those events and this attack.