Suspected Gunman Found Dead After Ambush on Firefighters in Idaho Leaves Two Dead

Mohammed Jangadost 30/06/2025
Two people are dead after firefighters were ambushed by a gunman, or multiple gunmen, while responding to a brush fire in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, officials said.
Two people are dead after firefighters were ambushed by a gunman, or multiple gunmen, while responding to a brush fire in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, officials said.

The suspected gunman who ambushed and fatally shot two firefighters in Coeur d’Alene on Sunday has been found dead, local authorities confirmed.

The Kootenai County Sheriff’s Office said SWAT officers located the deceased male on Canfield Mountain with a firearm nearby, concluding an hourslong multi-agency manhunt.

The ambush occurred as firefighters responded to a reported brush fire on the mountain. Two members of the fire service—one from the Coeur d’Alene Fire Department and one from the Kootenai County Fire Department—were killed. Another individual was injured and transported to Kootenai Health Hospital with a gunshot wound.

“This was a total ambush,” Sheriff Robert Norris said during a press briefing. “These firefighters did not have a chance.”

Authorities received the initial fire report at 1:21 p.m. Around 2 p.m., responding crews radioed that they were under fire. Approximately 300 law enforcement officers responded, including a SWAT unit that eventually exchanged gunfire with the suspect.

At 6:30 p.m., law enforcement were instructed to neutralize the suspect. He was later found dead at 7:40 p.m. near the fire zone, before the flames could reach the area.

Kootenai County officials believe the deceased was the sole shooter, citing weapon trajectory and the discovery of a single firearm. Investigators are now looking into whether the fire was deliberately set to lure emergency responders.

The FBI is assisting in the investigation, and federal officials, including the White House and FBI Director Kash Patel, were briefed on the incident. A shelter-in-place order for the Canfield Mountain Trailhead and surrounding areas has since been lifted, though residents are advised to stay alert as the brush fire remains active.

Idaho Governor Brad Little condemned the attack, calling it a “heinous direct assault on our brave firefighters.” Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem has also been briefed.

Authorities have not released the identity of the suspect pending notification of next of kin. The investigation remains ongoing.

Mohammed Jangadost

30/06/2025

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