A tragic sniper attack in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, has left two firefighters dead and one seriously injured, shocking the community and sparking national outrage. The deadly ambush occurred Sunday afternoon as firefighters responded to a brush fire on Canfield Mountain, which officials now believe was intentionally set to lure emergency crews into a trap.
Around 1:30 p.m. local time, as firefighters attempted to contain the blaze, gunfire erupted from a concealed position nearby. Two battalion chiefs were struck and killed almost immediately. A third firefighter sustained critical injuries but is now in stable condition after emergency surgery.
The primary suspect, identified as 20-year-old Wess Roley, was later found dead at the scene from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound. Investigators recovered a rifled shotgun and a .22 rifle, and believe Roley may have set the fire himself before opening fire on first responders.
This calculated ambush prompted a massive law enforcement response. Over 300 officers, including FBI agents and local tactical teams, descended on the area. A shelter-in-place order was issued for nearby residents, which remained in effect for several hours before the suspect was located using cellphone tracking data.
The victims were identified as:
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Frank Harwood (42), Battalion Chief with Kootenai County Fire & Rescue, a 17-year veteran and National Guard member.
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John Morrison (52), Battalion Chief with the Coeur d’Alene Fire Department, with 28 years of service.
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David Tysdal (47), Fire Engineer, who survived but sustained serious injuries.
A solemn procession escorted the fallen firefighters’ bodies to Spokane, Washington, as community members and first responders paid tribute. Idaho Governor Brad Little condemned the attack, calling it a “cowardly and senseless act of violence against heroes.”
Authorities say there is currently no known motive behind the shooting, and no evidence links Roley to extremist groups. The FBI and Idaho State Police are continuing to investigate the suspect’s background, digital footprint, and whether this was a premeditated act of targeted violence.
The fire itself — named the Nettleton Gulch Fire — was temporarily left unattended during the gunfire but has since been largely contained after spreading to over 25 acres.
This incident has raised growing concerns about the safety of emergency responders, who increasingly face unpredictable threats even while performing life-saving duties.
