Authorities Identify the Suspect Behind Deadly Ambush of Idaho Firefighters

Authorities have identified the individual responsible for the deadly ambush that killed two firefighters and critically injured another in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. The suspect, Wess Roley, is believed to have deliberately set a fire on Canfield Mountain to lure first responders into a fatal trap, as reported by The Gateway Pundit.

According to a law enforcement official who spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity, Roley was identified as the gunman behind Sunday’s attack. The official was not authorized to speak publicly about the active investigation.

BREAKING: 20 year-old Wess Roley has been named as the sniper who lured firefighters to an Idaho mountain by setting a bush fire, then shooting two of them dead.

He has a prior arrest that resulted in a felony charge of assault with a deadly weapon. pic.twitter.com/QFOmwxm9sJ

— I Meme Therefore I Am (@ImMeme0) June 30, 2025

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The incident occurred around 2 p.m. Sunday, when a small brush fire was reported on Canfield Mountain, just outside of Coeur d’Alene. Fire personnel responded to the scene, where they were met with gunfire.

Two firefighters were killed, and a third remains hospitalized in stable condition following surgery.

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Kootenai County Sheriff Bob Norris confirmed during a press briefing Sunday night that the fire had been intentionally set to ambush emergency responders.

“We do believe that the suspect started the fire, and we do believe that it was an ambush and it was intentional,” Norris said. “These firefighters did not have a chance.”

The shooter is believed to have used a high-powered rifle and taken position in the rugged terrain of the mountain. The sheriff stated that deputies returned fire during the incident.

The suspect was later located deceased on Canfield Mountain with a firearm nearby. Authorities have not yet determined whether Roley died by suicide or was shot by responding law enforcement.

The FBI responded to the scene to provide both tactical and investigative support alongside local and state agencies. The federal response underscores the seriousness of the incident and the coordination required for an ambush of this nature.

The suspect in the sh00ting that k*lled two Idaho firefighters and injured another is 20-year-old Wess Roley.

– He has a prior arrest for as*ault in 2024. This incident involved him allegedly attacking a woman with a knife, for which he was charged with felony as*ault with a… pic.twitter.com/JT0hvMheal

— Sarah Fields (@SarahisCensored) June 30, 2025

As previously reported, the initial fire drew firefighters into a densely wooded area. The scene quickly escalated into a firefight after Roley allegedly opened fire without warning.

The names of the deceased firefighters have not been released pending notification of next of kin. Officials say the injured firefighter remains in a hospital recovering and is expected to survive.

The motive behind the attack remains under investigation. No prior criminal history for Roley has been released.

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