Wess Roley Identified as Suspect in Deadly Idaho Firefighter Ambush That Left Two Dead and One Injured

A devastating ambush in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho has left two firefighters dead and another seriously injured, with authorities identifying Wess Roley as the prime suspect behind the calculated attack. The 20-year-old was found dead near the scene hours after allegedly setting a brush fire to lure in first responders before opening fire.

On Monday, law enforcement released a chilling image from Wess Roley’s Instagram story taken just before the incident. In the photo, Roley appears in black face paint, camouflage clothing, and a bandolier — a disturbing look that authorities say reinforces the theory of a premeditated ambush. He is believed to have used a Flint fire starter to ignite the blaze on Canfield Mountain, a popular recreation area near Coeur d’Alene.

The victims of the tragic event were named as Frank Harwood and John Morrison, both killed while responding to the fire. A third firefighter, Dave Tisdale, sustained gunshot wounds and remains hospitalized in stable condition. Emergency radio recordings reveal the intensity of the scene, with one firefighter calling in an “active shooter” and confirming multiple casualties, while stating, “The fire was set intentionally to draw us in.”

According to Kootenai County Sheriff Bob Norris, Wess Roley was later located through cellphone data by a tactical team. His body and a firearm were discovered in a wooded area near the origin of the fire. Authorities believe Roley died by suicide shortly after the shooting.

Although the motive remains unclear, investigators noted that Wess Roley once expressed interest in becoming a firefighter himself — a detail that adds a disturbing layer to the crime. “We don’t know if that past desire is connected to this attack,” Sheriff Norris explained. “But it’s a detail we’re exploring.”

Idaho Governor Brad Little condemned the ambush as “a heinous, direct assault on our brave firefighters”, pledging full state support to assist with the investigation. “They responded to protect others and paid the ultimate price,” the Governor said.

Further investigation revealed that Wess Roley had a limited history with law enforcement, involving minor trespassing incidents. Just before the shooting, he reportedly had a brief conversation with responding firefighters about his parked vehicle. It also appears that Roley had been living in his car and was considered a transient in the Coeur d’Alene area for much of 2024. Though he had relatives in the Priest River region, no direct connection to the attack location has yet been found.

Federal agencies, including the FBI, are actively assisting in the ongoing investigation. Officials are now examining Wess Roley’s vehicle for potential evidence that could provide insight into his mental state or motivation.

As the firefighting community reels from this tragedy, tributes continue to pour in for the brave men who lost their lives. The ambush has deeply shaken residents across northern Idaho, as the investigation into Wess Roley’s final actions and possible motives presses forward.