Idaho Police Identify Suspect in Firefighter Sniper Attack

In a shocking incident, police have identified Wess Roley, 20, as the suspect in the sniper attack on firefighters responding to a blaze in Idaho. Two firefighters were killed, while a third remains in critical condition.

In Idaho, police sources have confirmed that the suspect behind the recent sniper attack on firefighters is identified as 20-year-old Wess Roley. This disturbing event occurred on Sunday, when Roley allegedly opened fire on first responders arriving at a fire on Canfield Mountain, just north of Coeur d'Alene. Tragically, two firefighters lost their lives, and a third was left critically injured.

Authorities suspect that Roley intentionally ignited the fire to draw emergency personnel to the scene. In the aftermath of the attack, a tactical police team discovered a deceased male in proximity to the ambush site, who is believed to be the shooter. Investigators have not yet disclosed the circumstances surrounding Roley’s death or a potential motive for the attack.

During a late-night press briefing, Sheriff Bob Norris described the incident as a calculated ambush, asserting, “These firefighters did not have a chance.” He confirmed the loss of one firefighter from Coeur d'Alene and another from Kootenai County Fire and Rescue, while stating that a third firefighter is currently hospitalized and stable but fighting for his life.

Reports of the blaze first emerged around 1:21 PM PST, with firefighters being met with gunfire approximately 40 minutes later. The fire expanded to 20 acres and continued to rage as law enforcement mobilized over 300 officers from various agencies, including helicopters equipped with marksmen.

Roley was reportedly armed with a high-powered sporting rifle and fired at first responders for an extended period. Initial confusion surrounded whether there were multiple shooters involved. Through mobile phone data, law enforcement was eventually able to locate the suspect. The investigation is ongoing, but it remains uncertain if Roley died by suicide or was incapacitated by return fire from law enforcement.