A tragic ambush in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, has claimed the lives of at least two firefighters and left one wounded, marking a devastating attack on first responders. The incident, which unfolded on Canfield Mountain on June 29, 2025, has been described by Kootenai County Sheriff Bob Norris as a “heinous direct assault.” This article, compiled by Weekly Street, provides a detailed, fact-checked account of the event, drawing from official statements and credible news sources to ensure accuracy and reliability.
What Happened in the Coeur d’Alene Shooting?
On Sunday, June 29, 2025, at approximately 2:00 p.m. PDT, firefighters from the Northern Lakes Fire District responded to a reported brush fire on Canfield Mountain, a popular recreational area near Coeur d’Alene. Upon arrival, they were met with sniper fire from one or more gunmen, believed to be using high-powered rifles. According to a press release from the Kootenai County Sheriff’s Office, at least two firefighters were killed, and one was injured in what authorities suspect was a deliberate ambush, with the fire potentially set to lure responders to the scene.
Sheriff Bob Norris, speaking at a press conference on Sunday evening, confirmed ongoing gunfire during the briefing, underscoring the active and dangerous nature of the situation. The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has since deployed tactical and technical teams to assist local law enforcement, with Deputy Director Dan Bongino stating, “This is an active and very dangerous scene, and we are working to neutralize the threat” (FBI Press Release, June 29, 2025).
Official Response and Investigation Updates
The investigation is ongoing, with no suspects in custody as of 9:00 a.m. PDT on June 30, 2025. Early Monday, authorities lifted a lockdown on the area after discovering a man dead on Canfield Mountain with a firearm nearby, though it remains unclear whether he was a shooter or a victim (Kootenai County Sheriff’s Office, June 30, 2025). The U.S. Customs and Border Protection has deployed helicopters, and a no-fly zone has been established over Canfield Mountain to ensure public safety.
Northern Lakes Fire District Chief Pat Riley expressed profound grief, stating, “Our firefighters put their lives on the line every day. This loss is devastating, and we will not deploy additional personnel until the area is secure” (Northern Lakes Fire District Statement, June 29, 2025). Idaho Governor Brad Little condemned the attack, urging residents to “pray for the victims and their families” and emphasizing the state’s commitment to supporting law enforcement efforts (Office of the Governor, June 29, 2025).
Community and National Reaction
The Coeur d’Alene shooting has sparked widespread outrage and sorrow. Idaho Senator Jim Risch took to X, stating, “Our first responders risk everything to protect us. We stand with them and pray for their safety” (@SenatorRisch, June 29, 2025). Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, briefed on the incident, described it as a “calculated attack” and promised ongoing federal support (DHS Press Briefing, June 29, 2025). Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins, after discussions with Governor Little, called the incident “horrific” and committed to providing updates as new information emerges.
Public sentiment on X reflects concern and speculation, with some users noting the possibility of multiple shooters and describing the event as “calculated chaos.” To ensure accuracy, readers are advised to rely on verified sources such as The Spokesman-Review or KREM 2 News, which have provided consistent coverage of the incident (KREM 2 News, June 29, 2025).
Context: Idaho’s History of Gun Violence
While the Coeur d’Alene ambush is unprecedented in its targeting of first responders, Idaho has faced other significant shooting incidents. In May 2021, a school shooting in Rigby left two students and a custodian injured, carried out by a female student—a rare demographic for such events (Idaho State Police Report, 2021). In January 2015, a shooting spree in Moscow, Idaho, resulted in three deaths and one critical injury (Moscow-Pullman Daily News, January 11, 2015). These incidents highlight the broader challenge of gun violence in the state, though the Canfield Mountain attack stands out for its deliberate targeting of emergency personnel.
Staying Safe and Informed
Authorities have urged the public to avoid Canfield Mountain and follow official updates from the Kootenai County Sheriff’s Office (www.kcsheriff.com) and the FBI (www.fbi.gov). For real-time developments, credible news sources such as The Spokesman-Review or KREM 2 News are recommended. While X can provide community insights, users should verify information against official channels to avoid misinformation.
Why This Matters
This tragic event underscores the dangers faced by first responders, who risk their lives to protect communities. The deliberate nature of the attack raises critical questions about public safety and the protection of emergency personnel. As the investigation continues, Weekly Street remains committed to providing accurate, timely updates on this developing story.
