Woman RAMS Ambulance Into Federal Building

A 43-year-old mother from Boise hid gasoline cans in bushes, stole an ambulance, and rammed it into a DHS office—only for swift police work to foil what could have been a deadly inferno.

Story Snapshot

Sarah Elizabeth George arrested February 24, 2026, after premeditated ambulance attack on Portico North building housing DHS offices.
Pre-staged gasoline cans and 25 mph ramming scream calculated terror plot amid immigration tensions.
No fire ignited, no injuries—law enforcement’s rapid response saved the day.
Federal charges carry 5-20 year mandatory minimum, signaling zero tolerance for attacks on federal assets.
Part of surging violence against ICE: 8,000% death threat spike validates border security urgency.

Ambulance Theft and Calculated Strike

Sarah Elizabeth George stole an ambulance from St. Luke’s Meridian Medical Center at 11:10 p.m. on February 18, 2026. She grabbed pre-staged gasoline cans from nearby bushes. George then drove the vehicle at 25 mph into the Portico North office building at 3330 E. Louise Drive in Meridian, Idaho. This Class A property, owned by St. Luke’s Health System, houses DHS administrative offices. Meridian Police Chief Tracy Basterrechea called it an absolute act of violence the next day.

Accelerant Pour and Daring Escape

George poured gasoline inside and around the ambulance after the crash. Officers arrived as she fled on foot, preventing ignition. No injuries occurred, and no fire started. Roadways reopened by Thursday morning despite structural damage. St. Luke’s confirmed patient care remained unaffected. The building also tenants SelectHealth Inc., St. Luke’s Home Health and Hospice, and Quest Diagnostics. Canyon County Paramedics recovered their stolen asset.

Five-Day Manhunt Ends in Arrest

Meridian Police launched a manhunt February 19 with FBI, ATF, and Idaho State Police aid. Investigators canvassed doors, reviewed surveillance footage, interviewed witnesses, and used technology. On February 24, 2026, they arrested George at her Boise residence. Federal agencies led due to the DHS target. Authorities treat this as attempted arson and potential domestic terrorism. George faces charges for attempted destruction of federal property by fire.

Federal Penalties and Unknown Motive

Federal law mandates five years minimum prison for George, up to 20 years plus fines. Statutes cover attempts to damage federally assisted property or that used in interstate commerce. Motive remains undisclosed. Case stays active. Premeditation via gasoline cans underscores threat level. Conservative values demand swift justice—common sense dictates protecting federal workers enforcing borders aligns with American security priorities.

Immigration Tensions Fuel Attacks

The plot unfolded amid national immigration policy clashes. DHS clarified Portico North holds administrative space only—no ICE processing or stationed officers. St. Luke’s spokesperson Christine Myron emphasized this distinction. Yet DHS reports a coordinated violence campaign against ICE: 8,000% death threat rise, 1,300% assault increase. ICE expanded 120% under the Big Beautiful Bill, adding 12,000 officers.

This echoes Arizona’s Surprise warehouse arson, targeted post-protests for a 1,500-bed ICE detention center. Pennsylvania’s Governor Josh Shapiro resists DHS facilities over infrastructure strains, vowing no permits without compliance. Such resistance ignores federal border duties.

Security Ripples and Precedent Set

Short-term, federal agencies diverted resources; DHS eyes nationwide security upgrades. Long-term, attacks validate ICE expansion needs amid threats. Meridian residents face safety worries and more police presence. St. Luke’s grapples with damage and federal ties. Prosecution precedent strengthens deterrence. DHS perspective rings true—facts confirm escalating dangers to enforcers upholding law. Common sense backs robust defense of these offices.