Dedicated Firefighters Tragically Killed in Mountain Shooting

The suspect in the shooting that killed two Idaho firefighters and injured another has been identified as 20-year-old Wess Roley, according to Kootenai County Sheriff Bob Norris. The victims were identified as Battalion Chief Frank Harwood, 42, of Northern Lakes Fire, and Coeur d’Alene Fire Department Battalion Chief John Morrison, 52. Morrison had been with Coeur d’Alene Fire since 1996, while Harwood had been with Northern Lakes for 17 years. The ambush also critically injured 47-year-old firefighter Dave Tysdal, who had undergone two surgeries as of noon Monday. Investigators are still trying to determine a motive for the killings. Roley died by suicide on Canfield Mountain following the shootout and did not leave a manifesto. An Instagram photo of Roley in camouflage gear was distributed by the Kootenai County Sheriff’s Office. Roley had expressed interest in being a firefighter, but there is no evidence of any notable interactions with local firefighters.

Law enforcement believe Roley started a fire on Canfield Mountain to lure firefighters into an ambush-style attack. Fire crews engaged in a discussion with Roley before being shot at. Roley was found dead with a shotgun underneath him. Investigators found minimal interactions with Roley in the past, mostly related to trespassing or welfare checks. Roley’s Instagram account has been wiped. Coeur d’Alene-area residents expressed shock and sadness over the attack, seeking answers and prayers for the victims and their families.

This is a developing story and will be updated.