Police have identified 20-year-old Wess Roley as the prime suspect in a sniper attack that left two firefighters dead and a third seriously injured in Idaho. According to CBS News, the attack occurred as firefighters responded to a blaze at Canfield Mountain, near Coeur d'Alene, on Sunday. Authorities suspect that Roley intentionally set the fire to lure first responders into a trap.
The chaotic scene unfolded shortly after the fire was reported around 1:21 PM PST. Within 40 minutes, firefighters were under gunfire. Sheriff Bob Norris reported that Roley allegedly fired upon the firefighters with a high-powered sporting rifle, creating an ambush scenario where they were left vulnerable.
Authorities later located a deceased male believed to be the shooter near the site of the incident. However, the circumstances of his death remain unclear, with investigation efforts underway to ascertain whether he took his own life or was killed by responding law enforcement. Sheriff Norris emphasized the gravity of the situation, describing it as a total ambush.
Meanwhile, the fallen firefighters included a member from Coeur d'Alene Fire Department and another from the Kootenai County Fire and Rescue. A third firefighter, although in stable condition, is currently fighting for his life following the attack. Law enforcement mobilized over 300 officers, including support from city, county, state, and federal organizations, as aerial units assisted in the response. The fire itself spread over 20 acres and continued burning into the night. The investigation remains ongoing as the community comes to terms with this tragic event.
