Mass shooting at suspicious brush fire6/29/25

 Kootenai County, Idaho, has a history of militia activity, with several groups identified in recent years, particularly in the context of the region’s far-right and anti-government movements. Based on available information, here are some militias and related groups that have been active or noted in Kootenai County, though their current status in 2025 may vary:

• North Idaho Militia and North Idaho Militia 55th Battalion (Kootenai County): These groups were active on social media as of 2020, with concerns about potential bans by platforms like Facebook due to their militia affiliations. The North Idaho Militia has emphasized community protection and constitutional rights, with women taking on combat and officer roles since 2014. They reportedly had members trained in militia tactics and firearms, with over 600 members statewide by 2021.
• Idaho Light Foot Militia: Founded in 2009, this privately organized militia operates in Kootenai County and other parts of Idaho, distinct from state-recognized forces. They describe themselves as the “teeth of the Constitution,” focusing on training and monthly meetings to prepare for perceived economic or political instability. They had over 600 members by 2021. Their activities have included public demonstrations, which some residents view as violating Idaho’s laws against unauthorized paramilitary groups.
• Oath Keepers of Kootenai County: This group, part of the national Oath Keepers, has been active in the region, with ties to local officials noted in 2020. The Oath Keepers are known for their anti-government stance, often recruiting former military and law enforcement, and have been linked to events like the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot. Their presence in Kootenai County has raised concerns among residents about extremism.
• Real 3%ers of Idaho: A splinter group from the national Three Percenters, this militia was active in Kootenai County until at least 2020, when their Facebook page was banned. Led by Eric Parker, known for his role in the 2014 Bundy Ranch standoff, the group claimed to focus on community organizing rather than combat training, though their rhetoric aligns with anti-government sentiments.
• Patriot Front: While not a traditional militia, this white nationalist group was notably active in Kootenai County, with 31 members arrested in Coeur d’Alene in June 2022 for allegedly planning to riot at a Pride event. Many arrested were not local, indicating the group’s broader recruitment. Their presence has fueled concerns about the resurgence of white supremacist ideologies in the area, reminiscent of the Aryan Nations’ historical influence.

Regarding the June 29, 2025, ambush of firefighters on Canfield Mountain in Coeur d’Alene, there is no confirmed evidence linking these militias directly to the incident. Posts on X have speculated about militia involvement, particularly due to the region’s history with groups like the Aryan Nations and Patriot Front, but authorities have not identified suspects or motives as of the latest reports. The area’s reputation as a hub for far-right groups, including militias, stems from its history with the Aryan Nations and events like the 2014 Bundy Ranch standoff and 2016 Malheur occupation, where some local militia members were involved.

Local sentiment, as reflected in 2020-2022 reports, expresses concern over militias’ influence, with some residents and officials fearing a normalization of armed groups, while others, like Kootenai County GOP figures, have downplayed their extremism or supported their presence. Idaho’s 2023 repeal of its anti-militia law has further complicated efforts to curb such groups, potentially emboldening their activities.

I’ve searched for additional information on X and the web regarding the June 29, 2025, shooting of firefighters on Canfield Mountain in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, specifically looking for any connections to militia groups in Kootenai County. Here’s what I found:

Updated Information on the Incident

• Details of the Incident: On June 29, 2025, firefighters responding to a brush fire on Canfield Mountain were ambushed by one or more gunmen, resulting in at least two deaths and multiple injuries, including among firefighters and law enforcement. The Kootenai County Sheriff’s Office reported that the shooter(s) used high-powered rifles, and the situation remained active with ongoing sniper fire as of the latest reports. Authorities suspect the fire may have been intentionally set to lure responders, though this is unconfirmed. A shelter-in-place order was issued for areas south of Hayden Lake Road and east of 15th Street, and the FBI, along with Spokane law enforcement, is assisting.
• No Confirmed Militia Involvement: No official reports from the Kootenai County Sheriff’s Office, FBI, or other authorities explicitly link the shooting to any specific militia groups, such as the North Idaho Militia, Idaho Light Foot Militia, Oath Keepers, Real 3%ers of Idaho, or Patriot Front. Sheriff Bob Norris stated that the number of suspects (one or more) and their motives remain unknown, and the investigation is ongoing.

Militia Context in Kootenai County

Kootenai County has a documented history of militia and far-right activity, which fuels speculation about their potential involvement:

• Active Militias: As noted previously, groups like the North Idaho Militia, Idaho Light Foot Militia, Oath Keepers, and Real 3%ers of Idaho have been active in the region. The Patriot Front, a white nationalist group, also made headlines with a 2022 arrest in Coeur d’Alene for planning to disrupt a Pride event. These groups have historically engaged in anti-government rhetoric, firearms training, and public demonstrations, with some tied to events like the 2014 Bundy Ranch standoff. (Note: This refers to a 2020 report on militia activity in Idaho, not directly tied to the 2025 incident but relevant for context.)
• Speculation on X: Posts on X suggest local suspicion of militia or extremist involvement due to the region’s history. One user claimed, “Some nut job set a fire and when firefighters showed up, he started shooting,” implying a deliberate act, but this remains unverified by authorities. Another post speculated about “far-right elements” given Kootenai County’s past, but no evidence directly ties militias to the attack. (Note: Specific X post IDs are not provided in the results, but these reflect general sentiment.)
• Historical Precedent: The Aryan Nations’ violent history in the 1980s and 1990s, including the 1998 assault that led to their bankruptcy, and the 2022 Patriot Front arrests, contribute to local concerns about extremist groups. However, the Aryan Nations has been defunct in Idaho since 2001, and no current militia has been officially implicated in the 2025 shooting.

Critical Analysis

• Lack of Evidence: Despite the region’s militia presence, no credible source confirms their involvement in the Canfield Mountain shooting. The sheriff’s statements indicate uncertainty about the number of suspects and their motives, suggesting it’s premature to attribute the attack to a specific group.
• Regional Context: Kootenai County’s history with militias and white supremacist groups, combined with Idaho’s 2023 repeal of anti-militia laws, creates an environment where such groups can operate more freely, potentially emboldening extremist actions. However, this is speculative without direct evidence linking a militia to the incident.
• Alternative Hypotheses: The attack could involve a lone actor, a small group, or unrelated motives (e.g., personal grievances or mental health issues). The intentional fire theory, while mentioned in unconfirmed reports, requires further investigation to establish intent.