Tragedy struck a firefighting crew on Sunday, June 29, 2025, in Coeur d’Alene, northern Idaho, when a sniper ambushed responders battling a blaze near the Washington state border. Two firefighters were killed in the attack, while a third sustained gunshot injuries and underwent emergency surgery at Coeur d’Alene hospital.
The shooting prompted a swift tactical response. Law enforcement issued a shelter-in-place order shortly after 1:30 p.m., deploying specialized teams to Cherry Hill Park and Canfield Mountain where the attack occurred. The FBI also responded.
According to Kootenai County Sheriff Bob Norris, the responders came under active sniper fire upon arrival. Authorities later recovered a body—believed to be the gunman—on a nearby mountain, alongside a firearm. No further suspects are being sought, and officials have not yet released the shooter’s identity or the weapon type.
“This is a heinous, direct assault on our brave firefighters,” Idaho Governor Brad Little wrote on X, urging residents to pray for the victims and their families.
A solemn procession was held late Sunday to honour the fallen, beginning at Kootenai Health and continuing toward Spokane. The Idaho House Republican Leadership issued a statement condemning the violence as “vicious” and “horrifying,” while expressing solidarity with first responders.
Sheriff Norris, speaking earlier, noted the grim reality of the standoff: “I’m hoping someone gets a clear shot to neutralize, because they’ve shown no signs of surrender.”
This incident marks a dark day for Idaho’s emergency services, shaking a community unaccustomed to such targeted violence against its frontline heroes.
