Idaho Firefighter Ambush Leaves Two Dead, Suspect Identified
Authorities have identified Wess Roley as the suspected gunman behind the deadly ambush that killed two firefighters and injured a third in Idaho. Roley’s body was found near his firearm at the scene of the fire he allegedly started on Canfield Mountain, just north of Coeur d’Alene, according to law enforcement officials.
Kootenai County Sheriff Robert Norris said it remains unclear whether Roley was killed by law enforcement or died by suicide. The names of the two fallen firefighters have not yet been released. A third firefighter remains hospitalized but is now in stable condition after initially fighting for his life.
The Nettleton Gulch Fire, which began Sunday afternoon, has grown to 26 acres and continues to burn. Officials believe Roley deliberately ignited the fire before opening fire on first responders in what investigators are calling a staged ambush. Fire crews are struggling with rough terrain, steep slopes, and snags as they work to contain the blaze.
CNN’s Julia Vargas Jones reported that smoke still hangs heavy over the region, and ash lingers in the air. Law enforcement is investigating possible motives, including whether Roley had conflicts with local authorities. Former U.S. intelligence official Shawn Turner said investigators are working to understand Roley’s background and intentions, describing the attack as “fairly complex” and designed to harm more people.
On Sunday, the community of Coeur d’Alene came together to honor the fallen firefighters. Residents lined the roads for a solemn procession from Kootenai Health to Spokane, Washington. Many stood silently, waving flags or comforting one another as emergency vehicles passed by.
“It was very moving to see all the people that came out,” said Bill Buley, assistant managing editor of the Coeur d’Alene Press. “This really shook the community. Firefighters are seen as protectors, and to lose them like this is deeply painful.”
Authorities continue to investigate the motive behind the attack as the community mourns the tragic loss of its frontline heroes.
