Idaho Woman Faces Federal Charges Over Alleged Ambulance Attack on DHS Building
A woman from Boise, Idaho, has been formally charged with malicious destruction of federal property by fire following a dramatic incident in which prosecutors allege she stole an ambulance, drove it into a building containing U.S. Department of Homeland Security offices, and poured accelerant inside.
Details of the Alleged Incident
According to court documents filed by FBI special agent Daniel Ramirez, the suspect, identified as 43-year-old Sarah Elizabeth George, is believed to have stolen a Canyon County Paramedics ambulance from the St. Luke's Hospital Emergency Center in Meridian late on February 18. The location is described as a Boise bedroom community.
Ramirez stated that the suspect then drove the ambulance to a nearby parking lot, where she loaded at least two gas jugs and a plastic bag into the vehicle. Subsequently, she allegedly drove the ambulance through the front doors of a nearby office building before exiting and pouring the contents of the jugs onto the lobby floor.
Building Ownership and Political Context
The targeted building is owned by St. Luke's Health System. The hospital has faced public criticism for leasing space in that building to the Department of Homeland Security. This arrangement has drawn attention amid the Trump administration's ongoing immigration enforcement crackdown, adding a layer of political context to the incident.
Investigation and Evidence
Meridian Police Chief Tracy Basterrechea noted during a press conference that responding agencies apparently scared off the suspect before the accelerant could be ignited. Although police were initially unable to locate the suspect, investigators later identified George after reviewing footage from closed-circuit cameras in the area.
Further evidence cited in court documents includes receipts from local stores showing George purchased gas jugs and gasoline shortly before the ambulance was stolen. Additionally, George's Facebook page reportedly contained a post with the words, “If it can be destroyed by the truth then it should be destroyed; it was built in lies anyways,” accompanied by an image depicting the White House in flames.
Legal Proceedings and Charges
Sarah Elizabeth George was scheduled for arraignment on Tuesday afternoon in U.S. District Court in Boise. She faces two charges:
- Malicious destruction of federal property by fire.
- Malicious destruction of property used or affecting interstate or foreign commerce.
Each charge carries a maximum penalty of up to 20 years in prison. George has not yet had the opportunity to enter a plea. Messages were left for her listed public defender and at a number associated with George, but responses were not immediately available.
The case highlights serious concerns over property destruction and potential threats to federal facilities, with ongoing investigations likely to delve deeper into motives and connections.
