A deranged Idaho woman allegedly rammed a stolen ambulance loaded with gasoline into a DHS building in a failed terror plot that could have killed dozens, exposing the ugly face of anti-government extremism under the new Trump administration.
Premeditated Attack Unfolds in Late Evening Assault
At approximately 11:10 p.m. on February 18, 2026, Sarah Elizabeth George stole an ambulance from St. Luke’s West in Canyon County, Idaho. She retrieved pre-staged gasoline cans hidden in bushes near the Portico North building in Meridian. Driving the ambulance at 25 mph, George rammed it into the north portico of the facility housing Department of Homeland Security offices. She then poured gasoline across the lobby floor and around the vehicle. George fled the scene before lighting the accelerant, leaving the building empty and spared from fire.
Investigation Reveals Ideological Motive and Swift Arrest
Meridian Police Department led a five-day investigation, employing security camera footage from Walmart and a Fred Meyer gas station showing George buying and filling gasoline cans. Facebook posts from February 18 featured an AI-generated image of the White House ablaze, captioned, “If it can be destroyed by truth then it should be destroyed; it was built in lies anyways.” This evidence pointed to premeditated ideological opposition to federal authority. On February 24, 2026, authorities arrested George, crediting “good old-fashioned police work.”
Federal Charges and Law Enforcement Response
George faces federal charges of malicious destruction of government property by fire and malicious destruction of property used in or affecting interstate commerce. Each count carries a potential sentence of 5 to 20 years imprisonment. The FBI joined Meridian Police, Ada County Sheriff’s Office, Boise Police, and Idaho State Police in the multi-agency effort. Meridian Police Chief Tracy Basterrechea called it “a very serious crime that could have put several people in harm’s way, especially if the suspect had managed to start a fire.” The investigation continues, with more charges possible.
Canyon County Paramedics Chief Michael Stowell confirmed no impact on patient services from the theft. St. Luke’s Hospital prioritized community safety amid the disruption.
Pattern of Attacks Signals Rising Threats to Government Infrastructure
This incident fits a disturbing pattern of assaults on federal facilities. Recent cases include a Kansas City building fire linked to ICE targeting, a Pennsylvania Governor’s Mansion arson captured on surveillance, and a Commerce, Texas arson spree where Jamia Howell wielded nine Molotov cocktails over 36 hours. Such events heighten concerns over anti-government extremism eroding public safety and federal operations. Under President Trump’s leadership, bolstered border security and deportation efforts counter these threats, protecting American communities from radical elements.
The attack underscores vulnerabilities at DHS sites, prompting likely nationwide security upgrades. Meridian residents now face elevated awareness of local extremist risks, while law enforcement coordinates to prevent escalation. Conservative values demand strong defenses against those who target symbols of national security, ensuring law and order prevails.
Sources:
RedState: Suspect Arrested in Botched Attack on DHS
WTOV9: Authorities Make Arrest After Ambulance Driven Into Building Housing DHS Offices
NewsChannel9: Stolen Ambulance Rams DHS Office Building in Meridian
Fox News: Firebug Busted with Homemade Molotov Cocktails After 36-Hour Blaze-Setting Streak