Coeur d’Alene witnessed a spine-chilling encounter with a gunman amid a brushfire, resulting in fatalities and mounting tension until law enforcement declared the scene secured.
At a Glance
- Authorities identified Wess Roley as a suspect in the fatal shooting of firefighters.
- The attack was described as an ambush, with firefighters shot shortly after arriving at the scene.
- The suspect was found deceased on Canfield Mountain, which led to lifting the lockdown.
- Despite the lockdown being lifted, residents remain advised to stay vigilant due to ongoing fires.
Coeur d’Alene Ambush Incident
The landscape of Coeur d’Alene turned into a nightmarish scene on a Sunday afternoon when firefighters, tasked with extinguishing flames on Canfield Mountain, came under deliberate fire. Wess Roley, identified by authoritiesopened fire in an incident classified as a grave ambush by Kootenai County Sheriff Robert Norris.
Authorities report that Wess Roley, a 20-year-suspect allegedly born in Russia and previously residing in NY and Florida, and possibly worked in Arizona, is linked to the attack on firefighters and first responders in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho.
Here comes the left, claiming he is… pic.twitter.com/zkDv40fkRf
— Mrs Denosko🇺🇸 🌝 (@Denosko1) June 30, 2025
This shocking episode claimed the lives of two firefighters, left one wounded, and undisturbed the peace that residents have become accustomed to in this quiet community. Among the smoke and gunfire, police described an environment where chaos reigned. “When you have an environment where you don’t know where the bullets are coming from because of the trees and the shrubbery and what have you, it is daunting for police officers, let alone firefighters who are there just to put out the fire,” shared Sheriff Norris. The wildfire, ignited by the suspect, flared across nearly 30 acres, compounding an already dangerous situation for first responders.
Watch: Man found dead and lockdown lifted in Idaho after 2 firefighters killed in sniper ambush
Response and Community Impact
A robust response unfolded as federal and local agencies, including the FBI and SWAT teams, engaged the threat on the mountainous terrain. In the aftermath, authorities discovered Roley deceased with a firearm, though details on the exact moment and cause of death await confirmation from the coroner’s office. The revelation of a sole operator calmed initial concerns about multiple attackers, yet fear lingers about the calculated nature of the ambush.
Community members expressed their shock and sadness, resonating deeply with Mark Lathrop’s words, “It’s a very quiet neighborhood. It’s a pretty close-knit community. Right now, I’m just concerned that these were our firefighters that were fired upon, from the station down the street.” The heartbreak shared by residents underscores the unexpected nature of such violence invading their lives.
Ongoing Risks and Warnings
Although the lockdown has ended, vigilant warning persists against natural threats that remain. The rampant brushfire, spurred by malicious acts, continues to endanger areas around Canfield Mountain. As fire crews strive to mitigate spread, there is a clear call for community caution. The brutal assault on firefighters underscores the inherent risks first responders face, deserving our support and prayer as they protect lives and property amidst unprecedented danger.
Even as the dust settles on this horrific chapter, a resilient community emerges finding strength among neighbors and leaders alike. Questions around motives and security find new relevance, calling for introspection and communal solidarity. In truth, courage stood tall in Coeur d’Alene, and that solidarity lights a path forward.
