Coeur d’Alene, Idaho – Authorities have identified the active shooter responsible for a deadly ambush on firefighters as 20‑year‑old Wess Roley. The suspect allegedly set a brush fire on Canfield Mountain near Coeur d’Alene on Sunday afternoon, June 29, as a trap to lure first responders to the scene
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Sheriff Robert Norris confirmed during a press conference that Roley opened fire on arriving crews, killing two firefighters—one from Coeur d’Alene Fire Department and another from Kootenai County Fire & Rescue—and critically wounding a third.
Following more than five hours of search operations involving over 300 officers, SWAT teams and helicopters, Roley’s body was found with his rifle nearby. It remains unclear whether he was shot by police or died by suicide.
Officials described the attack as a “total ambush” with no indication the firefighters had any opportunity to defend themselves.
Idaho Governor Brad Little ordered flags at half‑staff and condemned the shooting as a “heinous direct assault on our brave firefighters”. According to family statements, Roley—originally from Arizona and working in tree services in Idaho—had aspired to be a forest firefighter
However, investigators have not yet determined a motive, and the case remains under active investigation with assistance from the FBI and ATF.
The wounded firefighter is currently in stable condition following emergency surgery.
Local communities have rallied behind the fallen heroes, with solemn processions honoring their sacrifice and support pouring in for their families and colleagues
