FnF News
Idaho Press Briefing Reveals Chilling Details of Ambush That Killed Two Firefighters
By Khadija Khan | FNF News | July 1, 2025
Coeur d’Alene, Idaho — Kootenai County officials held an urgent press briefing today following a calculated ambush attack that claimed the lives of two firefighters and injured a third. The incident, which unfolded on June 29 on Canfield Mountain, has drawn national attention as authorities piece together motives and response failures.
“It was a deliberate attack, a targeted assault on those sent to save lives,” stated Sheriff Bob Norris, his voice stern and unyielding. “These were men serving their community, caught in a planned killing zone.” (youtube.com)
Timeline of the Attack
- 1:30 p.m. firefighters responded to a brush fire near Nettleton Gulch Road.
- Within 30 minutes, shooters opened fire.
- The blaze was later determined to be deliberately set to lure emergency crews.
Two veteran firefighters were killed—one at the scene, another while receiving aid—and a third was critically wounded. The suspect, located by a SWAT unit, was later found dead from a suspected self-inflicted gunshot wound.
Law Enforcement Response
Hundreds of local, state and federal officers, including SWAT, responded within minutes. Authorities executed a meticulous search operation guided by cellphone pings to locate the shooter. Equipment like night vision and thermal scopes were reportedly used. (youtube.com)
The Suspect and Motive
Press officials have not yet released the suspect’s identity, but confirmed that he had purchased his weapon legally and had no prior criminal record. Investigators are actively exploring whether the attack stemmed from ideological motivations, mental health issues, or personal grievances against first responders.
Community and Official Reaction
Governor Brad Little has ordered flags at half-staff and declared a period of mourning for the community. Local residents gathered at spontaneous memorials, bringing flowers and candles. Counseling services are being mobilized for emergency personnel and survivors.
Law enforcement officials emphasized that this was not random violence, but a premeditated act of hostility:
“This was not a fire gone wrong—it was a trap,” said Sheriff Norris.
What Happens Next
- Authorities continue to scour the suspect’s home and digital footprint in search of a motive.
- A coordinated investigation involving FBI, ATF, and local agencies remains ongoing.
- Funeral arrangements for the fallen firefighters are expected to be announced within the week.
- Proposals for enhanced firefighter safety protocols and mental-health screenings are under serious consideration by state legislators.
Why This Is More Than a Local Tragedy
This attack strikes at the heart of public safety and raises alarm over targeted violence against first responders. It prompts urgent questions:
- Should wildfire response teams receive greater tactical protection?
- Is there adequate intelligence-sharing to detect threats in rural areas?
- Does the incident signal a deeper crisis in the mental well-being of lone actors?
Sheriff Norris warned the press: “We have to wake up and realize that even heroes are no longer immune.”