Two firefighters were killed while responding to a brush fire
Two firefighters were killed while responding to a brush fire Pexels

A fatal ambush in Idaho has drawn international attention after two firefighters were killed while responding to a brush fire. The suspected gunman, 20-year-old Wess Roley, has been identified by authorities.

Early reports indicate a background marked by family trauma and a strong interest in firefighting. The incident has triggered widespread shock and raised critical questions about what led to the events of 29 June.

Who Was Wess Roley?

Wess Roley was a 20-year-old originally from California who moved to Arizona before relocating to Idaho in 2024. He was working for a tree service industry and living independently, at times from his vehicle. Roley had no formal criminal record, though authorities noted limited past interactions, including welfare checks and trespassing incidents.

His grandfather, Dale Roley, told CNN that Wess 'wanted to be a fireman ... doing tree work and he wanted to be a fireman in the forest. As far as I know, he was actually pursuing it.'

Details of the Canfield Mountain Incident

On 29 June, emergency services responded to a wildfire on Canfield Mountain near Coeur d'Alene. Investigators told ABC News that the fire was deliberately set and, as crews arrived, a gunman opened fire, killing two firefighters and seriously wounding a third.

A major manhunt followed, involving more than 300 law enforcement officers. Wess Roley was later found dead near the scene from a suspected self-inflicted gunshot wound. A weapon was recovered nearby.

State officials have honoured the deceased firefighters with memorials and tributes across the region.

Family Background and Early Life

According to court records, as reported in the same CNN article, Wess Roley experienced a turbulent home life. His mother filed for divorce in September 2015 when he was 10 years old, stating in legal documents that her husband had threatened her, pushed her to the ground, and damaged their property. She also described threats involving the use of a sniper rifle and arson.

Following the divorce, Roley was primarily raised by his mother in Phoenix, Arizona. His grandfather told reporters that Roley maintained regular contact with family and had recently travelled with his mother on holiday.

No Clear Motive and Online Speculation

Authorities have not identified a clear motive for Wess Roley's attack. He left no manifesto or note, and investigators found no evidence linking him to extremist ideology or political affiliations.

Officials are reviewing aspects of Roley's background—including his solitary lifestyle and recent relocation to Idaho—to determine whether personal or psychological factors may have played a role in the attack.

After the incident, unverified posts began circulating on social media, suggesting political affiliations based on photos of Roley's parents wearing MAGA hats. Law enforcement has dismissed these claims and urged the public to rely on official updates rather than online speculation.

Ongoing Investigation

The motive behind the shooting remains under active investigation. Authorities continue to examine Roley's personal history, communications, and digital activity. Investigators are also reviewing witness statements and forensic evidence collected from the scene. Updates will be released as new findings emerge in the coming days.

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