COEUR D’ALENE, Idaho — June 29 2025 Authorities have identified the gunman behind a devastating sniper-style ambush on Canfield Mountain as Wess Roley, in what officials are calling a targeted and premeditated attack that left two firefighters dead and a third critically injured.
The incident began Sunday afternoon when emergency crews responded to a report of a brush fire in the forested terrain just four miles north of downtown Coeur d’Alene. Officials now believe Roley intentionally set the fire to lure first responders into a deadly trap.
At approximately 1:21 p.m., firefighters arrived at the scene to contain the blaze. Within 30 minutes, they came under heavy and unexpected gunfire. The ensuing chaos unfolded over several hours, during which emergency responders were pinned down in what authorities described as a sniper ambush.
Two firefighters — one from the Coeur d’Alene Fire Department and another with Kootenai County Volunteer Search and Rescue — were fatally shot while attempting to assess and control the fire. A third firefighter was also shot and airlifted for emergency surgery. As of the latest update, he is in stable condition.
After a prolonged manhunt and lockdown of the surrounding area, Roley’s body was discovered Sunday evening near a firearm believed to have been used in the attack. Officials have not yet confirmed whether he died by suicide or was killed during the exchange of gunfire.
“This was an unthinkable act of violence against those who risk their lives to protect our communities,” said Kootenai County Sheriff Bob Norris in a press briefing Monday morning. “We are devastated by this senseless loss and are committed to uncovering every detail behind this heinous act.”
Investigators are now working to determine Roley’s motive and whether he acted alone. Local and federal agencies, including the FBI and ATF, have joined the investigation.
The names of the fallen firefighters have not yet been released, pending family notifications. Vigils are being planned across Coeur d’Alene in honor of their service and sacrifice.
As the community mourns, officials urge anyone with information on Roley’s activities leading up to the attack to come forward.
