Suspect in Deadly Ambush Identified, Investigation Underway as Motive Remains Unclear

Authorities released a social media image of the suspect in the Idaho firefighter shooting and identified the victims. The suspect, 20-year-old Wess Roley, was pictured on his Instagram story wearing black face paint, camouflage clothing, and a bandolier. Roley was found dead near the scene of the shooting hours after the attack, which resulted in the deaths of two firefighters and the injury of another. Sheriff Bob Norris stated that Roley is believed to have died by suicide.

The firefighters killed in the attack were identified as Frank Harwood and John Morrison. Dave Tisdale is currently hospitalized in stable condition. Authorities believe Roley intentionally set a brush fire on Canfield Mountain near Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, on Sunday to lure first responders to the scene. A Flint starter, believed to have been used to ignite the fire, was found in his possession.

Fire crews responded to the blaze around 1:30 p.m., and gunshots were reported approximately half an hour later. Audio from the scene captured a firefighter reporting an "emergency situation" and an "active shooter at a fire." The firefighter requested immediate law enforcement assistance, stating that two battalion chiefs were down. The caller also indicated that the fire was intentionally set to draw them in.

Law enforcement initiated a manhunt, tracking the suspect through the terrain. Using cellphone data, a tactical team located Roley's body and a firearm several hours later in a wooded area near the fire's origin. Idaho Governor Brad Little condemned the incident as a "heinous, direct assault on our brave firefighters" and pledged full state support for the investigation.

The motive behind Roley's actions remains unclear, and no manifesto has been found. Federal authorities, including the FBI, are assisting in the investigation. Sheriff Norris mentioned that Roley had expressed a desire to be a firefighter at one point. There had been five minor law enforcement interactions with Roley, such as trespassing incidents.

Roley had an interaction with firefighters before the shooting regarding his parked vehicle. It appeared that he was living in his vehicle. Authorities noted that he was a transient in the area, residing there for much of 2024. The reasons for his presence in the area remain unknown, although he had relatives in the Priest River area. Further investigation of his vehicle may provide additional information.