Coeur d’Alene Shooting: 2 Firefighters Killed, Idaho Shooter Refuses to Surrender, Civilians Trapped

Coeur d’Alene Shooting Facts

A tragic and deeply unsettling event has rocked Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, as two firefighters were killed and several others injured during a targeted ambush in the Canfield Mountain Natural Area on Sunday afternoon. The active shooter responsible for the attack remains at large, and authorities are treating the area as a high-risk active crime scene.

This report offers a complete breakdown of what is known so far, including the timeline of events, victim information, the suspect’s status, law enforcement responses, public safety alerts, and official statements.

Coeur d’Alene Shooting Facts

Incident Recap: Timeline & Nature of Attack

• 1:20 PM – Crews are dispatched to a small brush fire on Canfield Mountain, near East Nettleton Gulch Road, a four-mile drive east of downtown Coeur d’Alene.

• 1:50–2:00 PM – Firefighters reach the blaze. As they advance to contain the fire, gunfire erupts from wooded areas above.

• 2:00 PM onward – Bark of rifles echoes; responders shout into scanners: “We’re under sniper fire—backup needed urgently.”

• 4:05 PM – Authorities escalate the shelter-in-place zone south of Hayden Lake Road and east of 15th Street in Coeur d'Alene.

Two people were killed and several others injured when firefighters responded to a brush fire in Coeur d’Alene

Idaho suspect refuses to surrender

A manhunt is underway in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, after a deadly ambush on Canfield Mountain left two firefighters dead and several civilians stranded. The victims were responding to a brush fire Sunday afternoon when they came under sniper-style fire. According to Kootenai County Sheriff Robert Norris, at least one active shooter remains in the area, still firing on law enforcement with high-powered rifles.

In a press conference, Sheriff Norris described the situation as extremely dangerous and tense. “It is going to be a tough next couple of hours,” he said. “They are not showing any signs of wanting to surrender. As soon as somebody has a clear shot, I encourage them to take that shot and neutralize.”

The attack has halted firefighting efforts. As of late Sunday, two major sections of the fire remain actively burning. Fire crews cannot fully engage the blaze until the mountain is secured from the ongoing threat.

Idaho Governor Brad Little condemned the attack in a statement on social media, calling it a "heinous direct assault" on first responders. “Multiple heroic firefighters were attacked today… Teresa and I are heartbroken,” he wrote, urging residents to stay away from the area to allow law enforcement and emergency personnel to work safely.

In response to the unfolding crisis, Kootenai County Emergency Management has issued a shelter-in-place order for residents living south of Hayden Lake Road and east of 15th Street. The public is being asked to remain indoors, stay alert, and follow official updates as the search continues.

Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, active shooter is still firing at law enforcement with high-powered rifles and is refusing to surrender

Victims: Fallen Firefighters & Affected Civilians

• Two firefighters killed in the ambush. Their identities are yet to be released.

• Multiple others were shot, including firefighters and civilians. The exact count is unconfirmed.

• Hikers trapped or escaping from the blaze were also caught in the crossfire. Sheriff Norris noted, “We still have civilians coming off the mountain… may be stuck.”

Shooter Profile & Ongoing Manhunt

• High-powered rifles fired from multiple directions, leading Sheriff Norris to confirm the situation as "sniper fire."

• Unclear suspect count: law enforcement can't guarantee there is only one shooter.

• FBI, ID State Police, KCSO, and DHS are involved. The FBI Deputy Director confirmed tactical support is underway.

• Air and ground search continues: police helicopters, drones, SWAT, and thermal-imaging searches are underway amidst rugged terrain. Landing is difficult due to active shooting.

No Confirmed Link Between Travis Decker and Coeur d’Alene Shooting

Social media users baselessly linked Travis Decker to Coeur d'Alene shooting

Following Sunday’s deadly shooting in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho—where multiple firefighters were attacked while responding to a brush fire—online speculation quickly turned toward Travis Decker, a missing former soldier wanted in the deaths of his three daughters. Despite the rumors, authorities have found no concrete evidence connecting Decker to the Coeur d’Alene incident.

The attack on firefighters triggered a shelter-in-place order across parts of Kootenai County, as law enforcement pursued an active shooter who remains at large. The shooting occurred near Canfield Mountain Trailhead and Nettleton Gulch Road, roughly four miles north of downtown.

Idaho Governor Brad Little responded on social media, condemning the violence:

“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.”

As the situation unfolded, social media was flooded with questions: “Where is Travis Decker?” “Could this be him?” “Would he really resurface like this?” These posts reflect lingering concern about Decker, who disappeared on June 2 after police found his abandoned truck and the bodies of his daughters near Leavenworth.

However, the Kittitas County Sheriff's Office, which is leading the search for Decker, emphasized that there is no reliable evidence placing him in Coeur d’Alene or proving he is still alive.

“Early leads have faded, but the search continues. We owe it to Paityn, Evelyn, and Olivia. Decker remains a public danger until he's found.”

While public speculation is understandable given the unresolved nature of both cases, officials stress that no verified connection has been made between Travis Decker and the shooting in Coeur d’Alene.

Terrain & Tactical Complexity

• Canfield Mountain Natural Area spans rugged, dense forest across 24 acres. It offers concealment and elevated vantage points ideal for snipers.

• Mixed terrain—thickets, slopes, trees—has forced responders to withdraw fire crews until the area is secured.

Public Safety Alerts & Community Impact

1. Shelter-in-place orders now extend across Canfield Mountain Trailhead, Nettleton Gulch Road, and parts of southern Coeur d’Alene. Residents urged to stay indoors.

2. No mass evacuations, but residents near the scene are told to remain alert and follow official instructions.

3. Emergency medical staging at Kootenai Health with air and ground evacuation standing by.

Official Statements

Sheriff Robert Norris (Kootenai County):

“This is sniper fire. We don’t know if there’s one, two, three or four shooters. We will neutralize this threat.”

Lt. Jeff Howard:

“We’re investigating whether the brush fire was intentionally set to ambush first responders.”

Governor Brad Little (via X/Facebook):

“Multiple heroic firefighters were attacked today… This is a heinous direct assault on our brave firefighters. Teresa and I are heartbroken… stay clear from the area to allow law enforcement and firefighters to do their jobs.”

FBI (Deputy Director Dan Bongino): Confirmed FBI is on-site providing tactical & operational support.

DHS: Secretary Kristi Noem has been briefed.

Broader Implications & Community Resilience

• First responders under fire: This signals a troubling shift—firefighters are increasingly targeted during emergency response calls.

• Heightened rural risk: The combination of wildfires, variable terrain, and armed ambush tactics demands new strategic planning for emergency responders.

• Community grief & trauma: Coeur d’Alene is mourning deeply. Mental health services are expected to be mobilized for families and first responders.

Next Developments to Watch

• Press updates expected later today from Kootenai County Sheriff’s Office and state authorities.

• Victim identification: Names and honors for the fallen firefighters will be released following next-of-kin notification.

• Forensic progress: Investigators will verify presence of accelerants and map bullet trajectories.

• Community safety initiatives: County may revise protocols for wildfire responses in high-risk rural zones.

What You Can Do

• Stay indoors if you live within the shelter-in-place zone.

• Avoid all paths leading to Canfield Mountain or the surrounding area.

• Report suspicious activity on June 29 between 1–3 PM: anonymous hotlines are active.

• Share video, images from cameras/trail cams that may show suspects or vehicles.

• Follow only official sources—like Kootenai Sheriff’s Office, Idaho State Police—for updates.

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