Authorities in northern Idaho have identified Wess “Riley” Roley as the primary suspect behind a calculated and deadly ambush that killed two firefighters and injured a third on Canfield Mountain Sunday afternoon. The attack, which officials are calling a “premeditated ambush,” has left the community of Coeur d’Alene reeling and drawn national attention.
The tragedy unfolded shortly after 2 p.m. when fire crews responded to a rapidly developing wildfire on Canfield Mountain. Investigators now believe Roley intentionally set the fire to lure emergency responders into a pre-set trap. Once on the scene, the unsuspecting firefighters were met not just by flames—but by gunfire from a concealed sniper lying in wait.
“This was a calculated and cowardly act,” said Kootenai County Sheriff Robert Norris at a somber news conference Sunday evening. “These firefighters didn’t stand a chance.”
According to officials, Roley opened fire from a concealed position in the forested terrain, catching first responders by surprise. Law enforcement personnel who arrived on scene also came under fire as they attempted to assist both the victims and contain the wildfire.
The deadly siege ended hours later when a SWAT team discovered a deceased individual, believed to be Roley, in a wooded area near the origin of the gunfire. A firearm was recovered nearby. Investigators were able to track the suspect’s location after detecting a cell phone signal ping, which led them into the rugged, smoke-filled landscape.
Due to the advancing fire, law enforcement and fire officials had only a short window to recover evidence before being forced to retreat. Sheriff Norris withheld further information pending confirmation of the suspect’s identity and cause of death by the county coroner. However, multiple law enforcement sources have confirmed to the Associated Press that the body found is believed to be Roley and that he acted alone.
As of Monday, the wildfire continues to burn, having scorched nearly 30 acres. Its persistence is complicating the investigation, the recovery of evidence, and raising continued concerns for nearby residents.
At the height of the attack, Kootenai County Emergency Management issued an urgent shelter-in-place advisory for neighborhoods surrounding the mountain, as gunfire erupted and helicopters circled overhead. That advisory has since been lifted, though many residents remain shaken by the incident.
“I’ve lived here over 30 years,” said local resident Mark Lathrop, who lives near the scene. “I’ve never seen anything like it. To think firefighters—heroes—were ambushed like that while doing their job… it’s beyond evil.”
The injured firefighter, whose name has not been released, underwent surgery and is in stable condition, authorities confirmed. The identities of the two firefighters who lost their lives are being withheld pending family notification.
In response to the attack, federal and state agencies have deployed personnel to assist in the investigation. The FBI, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), and fire investigators from Spokane, Portland, and Seattle are working in coordination with local officials. On social media, FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino confirmed that tactical units were dispatched to aid in securing the area and assisting in the search and recovery operation.
As investigators now focus on uncovering Roley’s background and motive, questions remain: What drove him to commit such a brazen and horrifying act? And how, if at all, could it have been prevented?
Meanwhile, the people of Coeur d’Alene, along with first responders across the country, are united in grief—and outrage. Across fire departments and agencies, black bands are being placed over badges. Tributes continue to pour in for the fallen firefighters, remembered as brave men who responded to danger without hesitation.
“These men went out that day to save lives,” said Sheriff Norris. “They were met with bullets instead of flames. Their sacrifice will not be forgotten, and we will leave no stone unturned in bringing justice to this heinous act.”
The investigation remains active, and officials urge anyone with information about Roley’s past or activities leading up to the attack to come forward. A community shaken by senseless violence now stands together in mourning—and in determination to honor the lives lost in service.