What began as a routine wildfire response in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, turned into a deadly ambush Sunday—leaving two firefighters dead and the region in mourning. Around 1:30 p.m., emergency crews were called to the scene of a brushfire. But instead of battling flames, they found themselves under fire.
Kootenai County Sheriff Bob Norris confirmed that multiple firefighters were shot while doing their jobs. “We are not certain how many people may have opened fire on the firefighters,” he stated during a press conference. That uncertainty led to an urgent multi-agency manhunt, involving local, state, and federal law enforcement.
The manhunt came to a grim conclusion when SWAT officers located a deceased male suspect on Canfield Mountain, near the blaze. A firearm was found nearby. While the lockdown and shelter-in-place orders were lifted after the discovery, residents were warned the wildfire is still active and burning.
This was no ordinary tragedy. This was a direct assault on first responders—Americans who show up every day to protect life and property, especially in rural communities where resources are stretched thin. These are the men and women who live out the values we champion: duty, courage, and service above self.
In a statement Sunday, Gov. Brad Little (R-ID) said:
“Multiple heroic firefighters were attacked today while responding to a fire in North Idaho. This is a heinous direct assault on our brave firefighters. I ask all Idahoans to pray for them and their families as we wait to learn more. Teresa and I are heartbroken.”
- Security Must Come First: Even our first responders are under threat. It’s a wake-up call for leaders to rethink soft-on-crime policies and prioritize law and order.
- Support for First Responders: This kind of attack demands serious backing for firefighters and police, not bureaucratic lip service.
- A Test of Community Resilience: As the brushfire still burns, neighbors and volunteers will again step up—a reflection of small-town grit that the mainstream media often ignores.
Investigators will continue to determine if the deceased gunman acted alone or with others. Meanwhile, the community will mourn, rebuild, and prepare—because when tragedy strikes, Americans in places like Coeur d’Alene don’t flinch—they stand tall.
We’ll continue tracking developments and honoring the memory of the two fallen heroes. May their sacrifice never be forgotten.
