The chilling and senseless ambush on firefighters in Idaho not only took two lives but left behind a trail of chaos and unanswered questions, with the shooter, Wess Roley, dead under mysterious circumstances.
At a Glance
- Two firefighters were fatally shot, with a third injured and now stable.
- 20-year-old Wess Roley was identified as the attacker and found dead at the scene.
- Roley may have set the wildfire deliberately to ambush emergency responders.
- Roley’s motive remains unclear; investigations continue into his background.
- Authorities found Roley’s body with a firearm, indicating possible self-infliction.
Disastrous Ambush Near Coeur d’Alene
A firefighting effort near Coeur d’Alene turned tragic on June 29, 2025, when Wess Roley, an unanticipated sniper, ambushed and shot two firefighters dead. A third, firefighter David Tysdal, was critically injured but is now in stable condition. The seemingly senseless attack has left the community and the nation reeling, prompting intensive investigations into Roley’s intentions and the precise cause of his death.
Watch: Wess Roley, alleged sniper accused of setting Idaho fire before killing 2 firefighters,
Roley, 20, appeared to have orchestrated this heinous act, reportedly setting a fire in order to draw in and target the responders. His shocking actions ended with his own death at the scene. Whether his death was self-inflicted or the result of police intervention remains under investigation, as officials rigorously examine every piece of evidence. With a firearm found beside him, it’s suspected that Roley fired the fatal shots from a concealed position in a tree.
🚨 CONFIRMED: The Idaho shooter was a 20-year-old named Wess Roley, born in Russia, raised in New York and Florida, who intentionally set a wildfire just to lure in first responders… then opened fire from higher ground.
Two firefighters are dead. A third is in surgery. And the… pic.twitter.com/1kdtj63bzJ
— Brian Allen (@allenanalysis) June 30, 2025
A Killer with a Potentially Deliberate Agenda
Roley’s history offers little indication of such violence—five minor interactions with law enforcement but no criminal record. Yet, his actions hint at a chilling premeditation; he possessed a flint starter, suggesting a deliberate ignition of the Nettleton Gulch Fire. Despite growing to 26 acres, the blaze was contained with no structural threats, sparking further questions about Roley’s motives.
“At this time, we, the family of Wess Roley, would like to offer our most heartfelt condolences to the families of those whose lives were taken and to the community of Coeur d’Alene at large.” – Roley’s family.
Despite social media ablaze with speculation, authorities confirm no evidence tying Roley to Islamic jihad. Roley’s motive remains elusive, with no manifesto or clues unearthed. His past aspirations to become a firefighter may add another layer to this complex puzzle, yet no connections to the ambush have been confirmed. The focus now rests on sifting through the inventory of Roley’s vehicle and piecing together his final days.
