State and federal authorities are continuing their search in north Idaho for clues regarding the motive behind the deadly shooting that occurred on Sunday. They have revealed the identity of the gunman, who is believed to have killed two firefighters and critically injured another who narrowly escaped with his life.
Investigators have identified 20-year-old Wess Roley as the suspect, asserting that he deliberately ignited a brush fire to lure first responders to the scene. Subsequently, Roley opened fire with a sniper rifle, compelling firefighters to withdraw while local police summoned a SWAT team.
Roley was found deceased by SWAT team members who pinpointed his location on Canfield Mountain near Coeur d’Alene using cell phone data. Media sources reported that a firearm matching the description of the weapon used against the firefighters was located near his remains.
The brush fire, now referred to as the Nettleton Gulch Fire, has expanded to cover 26 acres since it was ignited on Sunday, as reported by CNN.
Shawn Turner, a former US national intelligence communications director, informed the outlet that authorities are diligently working to uncover the motive behind Roley’s premeditated assault.
“Currently, there is extensive behind-the-scenes work being conducted to truly understand who this individual is and what prompted them to execute this attack,” he stated, adding that investigators must first determine “whether there was any form of tension; any kind of strife or conflict between local law enforcement and this individual.”
The ambush seems to have been “a rather intricate assault aimed at causing harm to more individuals than it ultimately did,” stated Turner.
FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino verified via social media that technical teams and tactical resources were present on-site to offer assistance.
“The situation remains active and exceedingly perilous,” he remarked on Sunday evening.
On Sunday night, residents of Coeur d’Alene gathered along the streets, waving American flags as first responders went by. Others stood in quiet reflection.
“Many individuals were profoundly affected by the realization that such an event could occur — targeting their firefighters, the frontline personnel who are there to safeguard them,” expressed Bill Buley, managing editor of the local newspaper.
“Coeur d’Alene is a relatively small community. People are familiar with these frontline personnel and regard them with considerable respect. Therefore, when this incident transpired, I believe many were genuinely unsettled and felt compelled to come out and demonstrate their support for the firefighters and their families.”
The identities of the two victims, who were employed at different fire departments that nonetheless worked closely together, have not been disclosed. One served as a firefighter in Coeur d’Alene, while the other came from Kootenai County. A third firefighter from Coeur d’Alene is currently “fighting for his life” after sustaining injuries in the attack, as reported by Kootenai County Sheriff Robert Norris on Sunday.