Coeur d’Alene: On June 29, 2025, two firefighters were killed and another was critically wounded while responding to what seemed like a routine brush fire on Canfield Mountain in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. As they attempted to control the flames, they came under sniper fire—an act authorities now believe was premeditated. The gunman, 20-year-old Wess Roley, was later found dead near the scene.
What’s especially chilling is the intentionality behind it. Officials now confirm that the fire was deliberately set to lure firefighters in. This wasn’t just an act of violence—it was a calculated trap targeting those who risk their lives for others. In the aftermath, Idahoans are mourning, while law enforcement and federal agencies are digging deep to understand Roley’s motives and prevent future attacks like this.
This story has sparked nationwide conversations about the growing risk to first responders—not just from natural disasters or emergencies, but from violence itself. Who was Wess Roley? Why did he do it? And how did a peaceful mountain trail become the site of one of Idaho’s deadliest ambushes?
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Who Was Wess Roley, the Idaho Shooting Suspect?
Authorities have identified Wess Roley, 20, as the lone gunman behind the deadly ambush. Very little is known publicly about Roley’s background at this point. Police have not released any criminal history, affiliations, or mental health details. However, some news reports and social media users have speculated about his ideological leanings and family ties—though nothing has been confirmed by law enforcement.
What is clear: Roley planned the attack in advance. He set the fire, waited for firefighters to arrive, then opened fire from a concealed position. He was found dead hours later, with a rifle nearby. Officials are still investigating whether he died by suicide or was shot during the standoff.
What Happened on Canfield Mountain?
At around 1:21 p.m. local time on Saturday, June 29, emergency dispatchers received a call about a brush fire in the Nettleton Gulch area of Canfield Mountain. Within minutes, firefighting units from Coeur d’Alene Fire Department and Kootenai County Fire and Rescue arrived to battle the blaze.
Shortly after, they were ambushed by gunfire from an elevated and hidden location. Two firefighters were killed on the scene. A third was rushed to a local hospital and underwent emergency surgery. Law enforcement quickly issued a shelter-in-place order for nearby residents, while tactical teams worked to secure the area.
When Was Wess Roley Found?
The standoff lasted several hours. Roley’s body was found around 7:40 p.m. on Saturday evening. He was discovered near the scene of the fire, armed, and alone. Law enforcement officials said cell phone ping data helped narrow down his location.
While the fire had grown to around 26 acres, smoke and terrain made the search more difficult. His cause of death is still under investigation, pending autopsy and ballistic reports.
Where Did the Shooting Take Place?
The ambush took place on Canfield Mountain, a popular hiking and biking area in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, located in Kootenai County. The fire and shooting occurred near the Nettleton Gulch Trailhead, which is typically busy with weekend hikers.
Following the attack, roads were shut down and multiple emergency agencies, including SWAT, FBI, Idaho State Police, and ATF, were deployed to secure the perimeter and search for additional threats.
Why Did Wess Roley Carry Out This Attack?
The motive is still unknown. Authorities say they are combing through Roley’s digital footprint, home, and communications for clues. As of now, there is no publicly confirmed connection to extremist groups or mental health conditions. However, the calculated nature of the attack suggests it was not a spontaneous act of violence.
Social media speculation about his family’s political leanings or ideology remains unverified. Officials urge the public to wait for factual updates as the investigation unfolds.
How Is the Community Responding to the Tragedy?
The response has been powerful and heart-wrenching. Governor Brad Little has ordered flags at half-staff across Idaho. Fire departments nationwide have expressed solidarity and grief. A solemn motorcade procession carried the fallen firefighters to Spokane for autopsies, with first responders lining roads in tribute.
Local residents have already begun organizing vigils, fundraisers, and online support groups. As the state grieves, questions linger: How do we protect those who protect us? And what systems failed to catch the warning signs of such a violent act?
What Happens Next in the Wess Roley Investigation?
- Forensic teams are examining the origin of the fire and the exact path of the ambush.
- Investigators are retrieving data from Roley’s devices, social media, and search history.
- Federal and state agencies are reviewing emergency protocols for first responder safety in rural fire zones.
- A full autopsy report will clarify the cause of death and possibly yield further insights.
This is a developing story. Updates will follow as law enforcement continues to uncover the truth behind the ambush that shook Idaho—and the nation.
