Wess Roley Idaho Shooting: Suspect in Firefighter Ambush Identified

By NRI Globe Staff | Published: July 1, 2025

Introduction

On June 29, 2025, a tragic ambush in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, left two firefighters dead and one critically injured after responding to a brush fire on Canfield Mountain. The suspect, identified as 20-year-old Wess Roley, allegedly set the fire to lure first responders before opening fire. This article provides comprehensive coverage of the incident, Roley’s background, and the ongoing investigation, optimized for search engines to ensure maximum visibility on topics like “Wess Roley Idaho suspect” and “Coeur d’Alene firefighter shooting.”

The Incident: A Calculated Ambush

On Sunday, June 29, 2025, at approximately 1:21 p.m., emergency services received a call reporting a brush fire on Canfield Mountain, a popular recreation area near Coeur d’Alene. Firefighters from the Coeur d’Alene Fire Department and Kootenai County Fire and Rescue arrived to contain the blaze. By 2:00 p.m., reports of gunfire emerged, with firefighters under attack. Two firefighters, Frank Harwood and John Morrison, were fatally shot, and a third, Dave Tysdal, was critically injured but stable after surgery.

Kootenai County Sheriff Bob Norris described the attack as a deliberate ambush, stating, “We do believe the suspect started the fire, and it was intentional. These firefighters did not have a chance.” Authorities believe Roley used a flint fire starter to ignite the blaze, luring responders into a sniper-style attack from a tree.

Who Was Wess Roley?

Wess Roley, a 20-year-old transient with ties to California, Arizona, and Idaho, was identified as the suspect. Found dead at the scene with a firearm nearby, Roley is believed to have died by suicide, though the exact cause of death remains under investigation. Here are key details about Roley’s background:

• Aspiring Firefighter: Roley’s grandfather, Dale Roley, revealed that Wess aspired to become a forest firefighter, leveraging his tree-climbing skills from working in his family’s arborist business. “He wanted to be a fireman in the forest,” Dale told CNN, expressing disbelief at his grandson’s actions.
• Transient Lifestyle: Roley was reportedly living out of his vehicle, which was found at the scene and partially damaged by the fire. Sheriff Norris noted that Roley had been in Idaho for most of 2024 but had no clear ties to the area.
• No Criminal History: Despite five minor interactions with law enforcement, described as welfare checks and trespassing complaints, Roley had no criminal record.
• Tumultuous Childhood: Court documents indicate a challenging upbringing, with his mother filing for divorce in 2015, alleging domestic violence by Roley’s father, including threats and physical assault.
• Social Media Presence: A now-deleted Instagram post showed Roley in camouflage gear with face paint, accompanied by Björk’s song “Hunter.” Authorities noted that his social media was wiped, though it’s unclear who deleted the content.

Motive and Investigation

The motive behind Roley’s attack remains unclear, with no manifesto found. Sheriff Norris dismissed rumors of extremist affiliations, including false claims of ties to “Islamic jihad” circulating on social media. Speculation from Roley’s grandfather suggests possible rejection from a firefighting job, potentially due to his height (5’8”), though no evidence confirms he applied.

Investigators confirmed Roley used a shotgun, with possible additional firearms involved, as smaller projectiles were found at the scene. His vehicle, pushed off an embankment by deputies to prevent escape, awaits inventory. The fire, identified as the Nettleton Gulch fire, has scorched 26 acres, with crews unable to fully engage until the area was deemed safe.

Community and Official Response

The attack sent shockwaves through Coeur d’Alene, prompting a shelter-in-place order and a multi-agency response involving 300 local, state, and federal officers. Idaho Governor Brad Little called it a “heinous direct assault on our brave firefighters,” ordering flags to be flown at half-staff. U.S. Senators Mike Crapo and Jim Risch led a moment of silence in the Senate, joined by colleagues from Washington, highlighting the tight-knit regional community.

A solemn procession escorted the fallen firefighters’ bodies from Kootenai Health to Spokane, Washington, with locals lining overpasses to pay respects. Sheriff Norris emphasized the emotional toll on victims’ families, urging restraint from sharing unverified scanner traffic on social media to protect loved ones.

Social Media and Public Reaction

Following Roley’s identification, social media buzzed with unverified claims, including a photo of him as a child posing with a rifle and rumors of his parents’ political affiliations. Posts on X reflected mixed sentiments, with some questioning the authenticity of images and others debating gun culture. One user wrote, “This was a case of failed parenting, which ultimately led to a monster child,” while another questioned the timeline of a childhood photo.

Unverified reports also claimed Roley was born in Russia, though no credible sources, including the Associated Press, confirm this. Such misinformation underscores the need for caution in consuming social media narratives.

Background and Context

Roley’s past offers some insight but no clear explanation for his actions. Former classmates from North Phoenix Preparatory Academy described him as a struggling student who could be friendly but often isolated or verbally aggressive. One recalled a journal with concerning images of weapons and hate symbols, though these claims remain unverified. Roley ran track but was not heavily involved, attending few races.

His family’s arborist background equipped him with tree-climbing skills, which authorities believe he used to position himself for the ambush. Roley’s father, Jason, expressed sorrow for the victims’ families but maintained distance from his son, last seeing him at a family gathering in 2024.

Ongoing Developments

The investigation continues, with authorities seeking additional evidence, including potential weapons left at the scene. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives is analyzing fragments to trace the shotgun’s origin. The community remains on edge, with residents calling for answers and prayers for the fallen firefighters.

Northern Lakes Fire Chief Pat Riley confirmed that firefighting efforts resumed only after the threat was neutralized, with the blaze still active but not threatening structures. The tragedy has sparked discussions on firefighter safety and the risks of responding to seemingly routine calls.

Conclusion

The ambush on Canfield Mountain has left an indelible mark on Coeur d’Alene, claiming the lives of two dedicated firefighters and raising questions about Wess Roley’s motives. As investigations proceed, the community mourns, and authorities work to piece together the events leading to this tragedy. Stay updated with NRI Globe for the latest developments on this story and other critical news.

Keywords: Wess Roley, Idaho shooting, Coeur d’Alene firefighter ambush, Canfield Mountain fire, firefighter shooting suspect, Idaho news 2025

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