It was a quiet afternoon in the small mining town of Wallace, Idaho, until chaos erupted around 2:40 p.m. on December 26, 2025. Reports of gunfire shattered the peace at the Shoshone County Sheriff’s Office in downtown Wallace. What started as shots fired outside quickly turned into a nightmare inside the building. A 77-year-old man from nearby Mullan, identified as John Drake, allegedly opened fire, wounding two people before law enforcement ended the threat.
Drake began his rampage outside the sheriff’s office, according to witnesses. He fired shots that struck the nearby Ace Hardware store, sending employees scrambling for cover. From there, he moved toward the courthouse area and then into the sheriff’s office itself. Inside, he shot two individuals, turning a place meant for safety into a scene of terror. The sound of at least seven gunshots echoed through the streets, leaving the tight-knit community in shock.
Law enforcement responded fast and hard. Officers from across Idaho, including Kootenai County, rushed to the scene. Help came from Montana and Washington too, with SWAT teams setting up a perimeter. They blocked off streets and even closed the eastbound on-ramp to Interstate 90 at Exit 62. No one wanted bystanders getting hurt or slowing down the response. The public was told to stay away, as gawkers could put lives at risk.
Inside the building, the situation grew tense. Drake barricaded himself, holding out against the arriving forces. SWAT moved in carefully, engaging him in a confrontation that left him dead at the scene. Kootenai County Sheriff Bob Norris confirmed Drake’s death shortly after, bringing some relief to the frightened town. By 5:00 p.m., officials declared the threat over, but the area stayed locked down for the ongoing investigation.
The two victims were rushed to hospitals for treatment. Details on their conditions remain scarce, but they were alive when transported. One witness mentioned hearing a barrage of gunfire from a nearby alley, while others saw dozens of emergency vehicles speeding down Highway 95 and I-90. Sirens filled the air for hours, a grim reminder of how quickly life can change in a place like Wallace.
Questions linger about why this happened. Drake, a local from Mullan just a short drive away, had no clear motive mentioned in early reports. Was it a grudge against the sheriff’s office? Personal troubles boiling over? Investigators are piecing it together, talking to family and checking records. The community, known for its historic charm and close bonds, now grapples with the pain of this senseless act.
A joint press conference was set for 6:30 p.m. that evening at the Wallace Inn on Front Street. Shoshone County Sheriff William Eddy and Sheriff Norris planned to share more. For now, Wallace residents are leaning on each other, offering prayers for the wounded and the first responders who risked everything. In a town where everyone knows everyone, healing will take time, but the spirit here is strong.
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