Authorities in Idaho have identified 20-year-old Wess Roley as the suspected gunman behind a devastating ambush that claimed the lives of two firefighters and left a third critically injured. The incident occurred on Sunday afternoon near Canfield Mountain, just north of Coeur d’Alene.
The attack unfolded after emergency responders arrived to combat a blaze in the mountainous area. According to Kootenai County Sheriff Bob Norris, it is believed that Roley deliberately set the fire to lure first responders into a deadly trap. “This was a total ambush. These firefighters did not have a chance,” Norris said during a late-night news conference.
The fire was first reported at approximately 1:21 p.m. PST, and within 40 minutes, emergency calls reported gunfire targeting firefighters. The blaze eventually spread across 20 acres and continued to burn into the night.
The deceased victims include one firefighter from Coeur d’Alene and another from the Kootenai County Fire and Rescue. A third firefighter remains hospitalized but is in stable condition.
Law enforcement launched a massive response to the shooting, deploying more than 300 officers from various agencies. Two helicopters carrying snipers were also involved in the tactical operation. After an hours-long manhunt and using mobile phone data to track the suspect, authorities located a deceased male believed to be Roley near the scene.
Sheriff Norris confirmed that Roley allegedly used a high-powered sporting rifle and fired multiple rounds at the arriving responders. At first, officers were unsure whether there were multiple shooters due to the intensity of the gunfire.
The exact cause of Roley’s death remains under investigation. Authorities have not yet confirmed whether he died by suicide or was killed by return fire from officers.
Investigators are still working to determine a motive for the attack. Sheriff Norris described the incident as a tragedy for the community, emphasizing the dangers first responders face even when performing their most routine and selfless duties.
“This community will grieve, but we will also support each other,” Norris stated. “These were heroes answering the call to serve.”
