A gunman ambushed firefighters responding to a brushfire in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, killing two and wounding another before being discovered dead in a horrific assault on American first responders. Wess Roley has been named by authorities as the suspect who allegedly set the fire on purpose as a trap, committing a calculated attack on the courageous men and women who put their lives in danger every day to defend our communities.
Deliberate Ambush Claims Heroes’ Lives
Kootenai County Sheriff Robert Norris described the horrific scene as “a total ambush” where “firefighters did not have a chance.” The attack occurred Sunday afternoon when firefighters responded to a brushfire on Canfield Mountain, only to be met with gunfire from a hidden shooter wielding a high-powered rifle.
IDAHO SNIPER: [confidence level: FOG of WAR] There are conflicting reports about the identity of the suspect in the attack on firemen and fire responders. There seems agreement he is a 20-year-old man named Wess Roley. There are reports that he might be from Russia (initially… pic.twitter.com/gvmA1RAlLf
— @amuse (@amuse) June 30, 2025
The wildfire, reportedly set by the gunman as a trap, has spread to nearly 30 acres on Canfield Mountain. First responders came under fire around 2 p.m., shortly after arriving at the scene to battle what they believed was a routine brushfire.
Massive Law Enforcement Response
Multiple agencies, including the FBI and federal law enforcement, mobilized to assist local authorities during the hours-long standoff. Law enforcement officers themselves faced sniper fire during the operation, showcasing the extreme danger posed by the shooter who was hiding in rugged, forested terrain.
BREAKING🚨: Idaho shooters name is Wess roley. Early reports suggest both parents were massive Trump supporters.
If I had to guess, this is a classic rebellion against conservative parents case. Just a nut job extremist communist that decided killing people would solve his… pic.twitter.com/AHnHvwnZCP
— Marcus Barton🇺🇸 (@1776MCB) June 30, 2025
The community-wide lockdown was finally lifted after SWAT team members discovered a deceased man on the mountain with a firearm nearby. Authorities believe the body is that of the shooter, though the local coroner has yet to confirm the identity and cause of death.
Community In Shock
Coeur d’Alene residents describe their neighborhood as normally peaceful and close-knit, making the violent attack all the more shocking. Resident Mark Lathrop expressed his concern: “It’s a tranquil neighborhood. It’s a pretty close-knit community. Right now, I’m just concerned that these were our firefighters that were fired upon, from the station down the street.”
“When you have an environment where you don’t know where the bullets are coming from because of the trees and the shrubbery and what have you, it is daunting for police officers, let alone firefighters who are there just to put out the fire.” – Kootenai County Sheriff Robert Norris.
Sheriff Norris initially stated uncertainty about how many shooters were involved, but investigators later determined the gunman acted alone. Residents are still being warned about the ongoing brushfire danger, even as the immediate threat from the shooter has been eliminated.
The tragic loss of two heroic firefighters represents yet another attack on the brave men and women who serve our communities, a somber reminder of the dangers faced by first responders. The senseless violence has left the typically tranquil Idaho community reeling as they mourn their fallen heroes who made the ultimate sacrifice while simply doing their job to protect others.
Sources:
https://www.newsnationnow.com/us-news/west/coeur-dalene-idaho-shooting-ambush-firefighters/