On June 29, 2025, Idaho faced one of its most shocking acts of violence when an ambush-style shooting targeted first responders battling a brush fire on Canfield Mountain, just north of Coeur d’Alene. This tragic event not only claimed lives but also raised deep concerns about public safety and emergency responder vulnerability.
In this article, we cover the 2025 Coeur d’Alene shooting in detail and take a look back at notable shootings in Idaho’s modern history.
🚨 What Happened on June 29, 2025?
Around 1:30 PM, firefighting units responded to a wildfire on Canfield Mountain, a popular hiking area near Coeur d’Alene. But what seemed like a routine fire call turned into a deadly ambush.
Key Details:
- Firefighters Ambushed: As crews arrived to contain the flames, they were suddenly fired upon by one or more shooters using high-powered rifles.
- Fatalities: Two firefighters were killed at the scene.
- Injuries: At least seven others were injured, including emergency personnel.
- Ongoing Situation: As of the latest updates, law enforcement, including the FBI and SWAT teams, were actively searching for the suspect(s), who were believed to be hiding in the rugged terrain.
The Ambush Setup:
Authorities believe the brush fire was intentionally set to lure emergency responders into the area. The shooters took advantage of the mountain’s elevation and dense forest for cover—employing sniper-like tactics rarely seen in such attacks.
🗣️ Officials React to the Attack
- Kootenai County Sheriff Bob Norris condemned the attack as a “heinous assault” on public servants.
- Governor Brad Little called for prayers and pledged state support, labeling the shooting as “shocking and cowardly.”
⛔ Immediate Impact
- Shelter-in-place orders were issued across nearby neighborhoods.
- The fire itself remained unchecked due to the sniper threat.
- Schools and public buildings were locked down, and residents were told to avoid the area.
This ambush is being called one of the most violent direct attacks on first responders in the Pacific Northwest.
🔍 Historical Shootings in Idaho (2000–2025)
While Idaho generally has a lower rate of gun violence compared to national averages, it has experienced several tragic shootings over the past two decades.
Here are some notable incidents:
1. 🏫 1999 – Notus Junior/Senior High School
A 16-year-old student brought a shotgun to school and fired two shots. Thankfully, no injuries were reported. This incident drew attention after the Columbine High School shooting in the same year.
2. 🍻 2003 – Stateline Tavern Mass Shooting (Oldtown, ID)
A gunman opened fire inside a local bar, killing four people, including his ex-girlfriend. This became one of Idaho’s first high-profile mass shootings.
3. 🏫 2016 – Twin Falls Middle School
A 14-year-old opened fire at Robert Stuart Middle School. No fatalities occurred, but the event caused widespread panic.
4. 🧒 2021 – Rigby Middle School
In May 2021, a sixth-grade girl shot and injured two students and a school staffer. All survived. The shooter was taken into custody.
5. 🏠 2023 – Kellogg Shooting
On June 19, 2023, four people were fatally shot inside a home in Kellogg, Idaho. The incident appeared to be domestic in nature.
6. 🎓 2022 – University of Idaho Stabbings
While not a shooting, this crime shook Idaho: four university students were stabbed to death in their Moscow, Idaho home. The suspect was caught, and the trial is scheduled for August 2025.
📈 Idaho Shooting Timeline (Summary Table)
| Year | Location | Casualties | Type | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1999 | Notus High School | 0 injured | School | Shotgun fired, no hits |
| 2003 | Oldtown, Stateline Tavern | 4 dead | Domestic | Ex-girlfriend among victims |
| 2016 | Twin Falls Middle School | 0 injured | School | Minor opened fire |
| 2021 | Rigby Middle School | 3 injured | School | Sixth-grade shooter |
| 2022 | University of Idaho | 4 dead | Stabbing | National headlines |
| 2023 | Kellogg Residence | 4 dead | Domestic | Suspect arrested |
| 2025 | Coeur d’Alene (Canfield Mtn) | 2 dead | Ambush/Sniper | Firefighter ambush |
🧠 Why the 2025 Idaho Ambush Is Different
Most past Idaho shootings occurred in domestic or school settings. What makes the Canfield Mountain incident unique and more terrifying is:
- The deliberate use of arson to draw responders.
- The employment of sniper tactics with military-style firearms.
- The direct targeting of firefighters and EMS—a previously unheard-of motive in Idaho.
🔒 What This Means for Public Safety in Idaho
1. Greater Need for First Responder Security
This event will likely lead to changes in how emergency teams approach unknown fires or incidents in remote areas.
2. Mental Health & Threat Assessment
Several past shooters in Idaho showed signs of mental health issues or behavioral instability. More investment in red flag laws and early warning systems could help reduce risks.
3. Gun Policy in Idaho
Idaho is a Second Amendment–friendly state, with few gun restrictions. Events like this may trigger debates around:
- Assault rifle access
- Ammunition stockpiling
- Public reporting of suspicious behavior
🧭 Conclusion: A Turning Point in Idaho’s Safety Landscape
The June 29, 2025 Coeur d’Alene shooting is a historic tragedy for Idaho. Never before had first responders in the state been so directly targeted. This calculated attack sends a grim reminder that no profession is immune to gun violence.
While Idaho has seen other heartbreaking shootings in schools and homes, the level of coordination and brutality in this recent event signals a new, more dangerous era. It is now crucial for Idahoans to stay vigilant, support local law enforcement, and demand meaningful dialogue on both safety and constitutional rights.
📢 Stay Informed
Keep following updates from:
- Kootenai County Sheriff’s Office
- FBI Idaho Division
- Idaho State Police
- Local news outlets like KREM, KHQ, and The Spokesman-Review
