On December 26, 2023, a shooting took place at the Shoshone County Sheriff’s Office in Wallace, Idaho, disrupting what had been a typical post-Christmas day. Initial reactions from residents varied, with some speculating the sounds could be attributed to hunters or fireworks. However, the situation escalated as law enforcement vehicles from multiple agencies responded to the scene.

The shooter, identified as 77-year-old John Drake from Mullan, Idaho, entered the sheriff’s office lobby around 2:30 p.m. and began firing. Law enforcement officials reported that the incident lasted approximately one hour and 45 minutes before Drake was shot and killed by police. During the shooting, two women outside the sheriff’s office were injured in the legs, and an officer sustained a minor injury from glass shrapnel caused by the gunfire.

Shoshone County Sheriff William Eddy stated that the motive behind Drake's actions remains unclear. He expressed disbelief that such violence could occur in a location typically regarded as secure. Eyewitness accounts described a significant police presence, with officers equipped with rifles and body armor responding to the situation.

The aftermath of the shooting left the area cordoned off with crime scene tape, and investigators worked through the following morning. Damage included multiple bullet holes in the sheriff’s office and shattered glass at nearby businesses. Local establishments, including Harvest Foods, resumed operations shortly after the incident, although employees reported feeling unsettled by the events.

Idaho State Police are conducting an investigation into the officer-involved shooting, while the Kootenai County Sheriff’s Office and Coeur d’Alene Police Department are handling the criminal aspects of the case. The incident has been characterized by local law enforcement as significant, highlighting concerns about safety in public spaces.