A devastating ambush on firefighters responding to a brush fire near Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, on Sunday, June 29th, has left two firefighters dead and a third seriously injured. authorities quickly identified the suspect as 20-year-old Wess roley following the targeted attack on Canfield Mountain. This tragic event sent shockwaves through the tight-knit community and the first responder world.
Suspect Named in Fatal Attack
Police sources confirmed the identity of the man believed responsible for the deadly shooting. According to reports citing CBS News, 20-year-old Wess Roley was named as the suspect. Investigators rapidly focused their efforts on locating Roley after the incident unfolded. His identification was a critical early step in understanding the events that transpired on the mountainside.
Authorities currently suspect Roley deliberately ignited the wildfire on Canfield Mountain. Their belief is that he set the fire with the specific, sinister intention of drawing first responders, including firefighters and law enforcement, into a planned attack zone. This suggests a pre-meditated act of violence against those who serve and protect.
The Ambush on Canfield Mountain
The horrifying sequence began when a report of a fire on Canfield Mountain came in around 1:21 PM PST (9:21 PM BST). Fire crews were dispatched to the scene, a rugged area just north of Coeur d’Alene. Approximately 40 minutes after the initial fire report, tragedy struck. Reports emerged that firefighters arriving to combat the blaze were under fire.
Sheriff Bob Norris described the incident in stark terms. He called it a “total ambush.” He emphasized the sudden and overwhelming nature of the attack, stating unequivocally, “These firefighters did not have a chance.” The gunman used a high-powered sporting rifle. He fired rapidly at the incoming first responders. Officers arriving on the scene also immediately came under sniper fire. The intensity and speed of the shooting initially led officers to believe there might be multiple perpetrators involved.
Casualties and Community Grief
The ambush resulted in profound loss and injury. Sheriff Norris confirmed the deaths of two brave firefighters. One fallen hero served with the Coeur d’Alene Fire Department. The other was a member of Kootenai County Fire and Rescue. A third firefighter sustained severe injuries. Sheriff Norris initially reported this individual was “fighting for his life.” Thankfully, the injured firefighter was later reported to be in stable condition.
The tragic deaths of these firefighters have deeply affected the local community. It has also resonated throughout the nation’s first responder community. Edward Kelly, president of the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) union, confirmed the loss of two members in what he called a “heinous act of violence.” Local fire chief Pat Riley expressed being “heartbroken” by the events. Residents of Coeur d’Alene, a city near the Washington state border, voiced shock and sadness. One long-time resident commented that such an event had never occurred there before. This sentiment highlights the unprecedented nature of the attack on this peaceful mountainside.
Large-Scale Response and Suspect Location
Following the initial reports of firefighters being shot, a massive law enforcement response was mobilized. More than 300 officers converged on the area. Personnel came from city, county, state, and federal agencies. This included tactical teams and specialized resources. The response also featured two helicopters, both equipped with snipers, to provide aerial support and search capabilities.
The ordeal involved an hours-long exchange of gunfire and an intense search effort across the mountainside. Locating the suspect proved challenging. Smoke from the growing wildfire complicated efforts, particularly for helicopters using heat-seeking technology. Authorities ultimately narrowed down the suspect’s position using mobile phone data. A police tactical team, identified in one report as a SWAT team, located a deceased male near the attack site later that Sunday evening.
Circumstances of the Suspect’s Death Remain Unclear
The deceased individual located by the tactical team was identified as Wess Roley, the suspected gunman. However, key questions remain about the circumstances surrounding his death. Sheriff Norris stated that it was unclear whether Roley took his own life or was struck by law enforcement fire during the extensive engagement. While one report suggested authorities believe he died by suicide, official statements from law enforcement indicate this remains part of the ongoing investigation.
As of initial reports, authorities had not commented publicly on a specific motive for Roley’s actions. They also did not immediately reveal the exact cause of his death. The investigation continues to piece together these critical details. Authorities expected to potentially uncover more evidence, such as additional weapons, once the wildfire at the scene was fully extinguished and they could conduct a thorough search of the area where Roley was found.
Suspect’s Background Details Emerge
Limited information about Wess Roley’s background has surfaced. According to a social media post made by his mother, Roley had moved from Arizona to Idaho in 2023. He reportedly moved to work for his father’s tree lopping company. His mother shared an update in October 2024, stating he was “doing great living in Idaho.” These details provide a glimpse into the suspect’s recent life before the tragic incident.
The wildfire that served as the backdrop for the ambush continued to burn. Initially reported at 20 acres, it grew to 26 acres by the following morning. The fire complicated the immediate investigation at the scene. Authorities had to conduct preliminary searches quickly due to the fire’s proximity to where Roley was found. This necessitated the immediate transport of his body from the site.
Investigation Continues
The full scope and motivation behind this unprecedented attack are still under investigation. While authorities believe Roley acted alone, initial uncertainty about the number of shooters highlights the chaos of the event. Investigators are working to confirm details and gather all available evidence. The shelter-in-place notice for the mountainside community, which lasted approximately seven hours, was lifted once the immediate threat was contained. Authorities have requested that the public avoid the area and refrain from flying drones over the scene to allow investigators unimpeded access. This tragic incident underscores the unpredictable dangers faced by first responders every day.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened in the Idaho firefighter ambush?
On Sunday, June 29th, firefighters responding to a brush fire on Canfield Mountain near Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, were ambushed by a gunman. The suspect reportedly used a high-powered rifle to fire rapidly at first responders. Two firefighters were killed and a third was seriously injured in the unprovoked attack. Police located the suspect, identified as Wess Roley, deceased near the scene after an hours-long search and exchange of gunfire.
Who was identified as the suspect in the Idaho firefighter attack?
Authorities identified the suspect in the deadly ambush as 20-year-old Wess Roley. According to his mother, Roley had moved to Idaho from Arizona in 2023 to work for his father’s company. Investigators believe Roley deliberately started the fire to lure first responders to the location where he carried out the attack. The circumstances of his death at the scene remain under investigation.
What is the current status of the investigation into the Canfield Mountain incident?
The investigation into the ambush on Canfield Mountain is ongoing. Authorities are working to determine Wess Roley’s motive for the attack. The exact circumstances surrounding Roley’s death near the scene are also still being investigated, as it is unclear if he died by suicide or was hit by law enforcement. The scene is being processed for evidence, and the community is mourning the loss of the fallen firefighters.
This shocking incident highlights the extreme dangers faced by emergency responders and remains a focus for law enforcement seeking answers.
