Authorities in Idaho have released chilling new details regarding the ambush that claimed the lives of two firefighters and severely injured another.1 On Monday, officials identified the suspect as 20-year-old Wess Roley, and shared a disturbing social media image of him reportedly taken before the deadly assault.2
The picture, which authorities stated was posted to Roley’s Instagram story, shows him clad in camouflage clothing and black face paint, with a bandolier slung across his waist. Roley was found deceased near the scene of the shooting hours after the attack, and Kootenai County Sheriff Bob Norris stated that investigators believe he died by suicide.
The victims of Sunday’s ambush were identified as Frank Harwood and John Morrison, both tragically killed in the incident.3 A third firefighter, Dave Tisdale, was hospitalized and is reported to be in stable condition.
Brush Fire Deliberately Set to Lure First Responders
Investigators believe Roley intentionally ignited a brush fire on Canfield Mountain, located near Coeur d’Alene, with the sinister purpose of luring first responders to the scene.4 Sheriff Norris confirmed on Monday that a flint starter, recovered near Roley’s body, is suspected to have been used to ignite the blaze.
Fire crews initially responded to the report of the brush fire around 1:30 p.m. on Sunday. Approximately half an hour later, gunshots were reported from the scene, plunging the response into chaos.
Disturbing audio from the scene, later released by authorities, captured a firefighter urgently relaying an “emergency situation” and an “active shooter at a fire.”5 The frantic caller implored, “We need law enforcement up here immediately,” adding, “two battalion chiefs down.” The distress call continued, “We have another Coeur d’Alene firefighter down… we’ve got two unresponsive battalion chiefs down, multiple gunshot wounds, two Coeur d’Alene are down… I’m pinned down.”
The caller’s voice, filled with urgency, also explicitly stated the belief that the fire was a deliberate trap: “It’s clear to me that this fire was set intentionally to draw us in.” This chilling statement underscores the calculated nature of the assault.
Manhunt and Unanswered Questions
Following the horrific ambush, law enforcement initiated an extensive manhunt, tracking Roley through the rugged terrain. Utilizing cellphone data, a tactical team successfully located Roley’s body and a firearm several hours later in a wooded area close to the fire’s origin point.
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Idaho Governor Brad Little swiftly condemned the attack, labeling it “a heinous, direct assault on our brave firefighters.”6 Governor Little pledged the full support of the state for the ongoing investigation, emphasizing the ultimate sacrifice made by the fallen first responders: “They answered the call to protect others and paid the ultimate price.”
The motive behind Roley’s actions remains shrouded in mystery. Sheriff Norris stated on Monday that no manifesto or explanation for the attack has been discovered. Federal authorities, including the FBI, have been brought in to assist with the comprehensive investigation.
Sheriff Norris did reveal some details about the suspect, noting, “We have information that he at one time wanted to be a firefighter.” He added, “So we don’t know if there’s a nexus to that desire, and what happened yesterday. But, there is information that we’ve received that he at one time wanted to be a firefighter.” This potential past aspiration raises even more perplexing questions about his alleged actions.
Authorities also disclosed that Roley had five prior, minor interactions with law enforcement, primarily related to trespassing incidents. It was also noted that Roley had an interaction with firefighters prior to the shooting regarding where his vehicle was parked, suggesting he may have been in the vicinity before the attack unfolded.
Norris further indicated that Roley appeared to have been living in his vehicle. “We know that he was a transient here,” the sheriff explained. “We knew that he lived here for the better part of 2024. But as far as when he got here, why he was here, why he chose this place, I don’t know. He has relatives in the Priest River area, but I don’t know why he chose that. We don’t find any nexus to anything else. Maybe we’ll find more once we do an inventory of the vehicle. But as of right now, we don’t know.”
The investigation is ongoing as authorities work to piece together the full picture of this tragic and seemingly unprovoked attack on those who selflessly serve to protect others.
