(NewsNation) — The gunman accused of fatally shooting two firefighters and wounding a third while they responded to a wildfire in Idaho has been identified.
The suspect has been identified as Wess Roley, a law enforcement official told the Associated Press on Monday. The official spoke on the condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss the investigation.
Roley’s body was recovered from the scene as the blaze began to spread across the mountain. Norris said his department plans to return to where the body was found, with a firearm nearby, to look for additional evidence.
It is unknown how he died, and authorities have not yet revealed a motive.
Kootenai County Sheriff Robert Norris declined to release further details about Roley, including his age, occupation, or a possible motive, and said the county coroner would determine the cause of his death.
Authorities said they believe Roley deliberately set the wildfire on Canfield Mountain just north of Coeur d’Alene to lure first responders to the scene. The shooting began around 2 p.m. Sunday, roughly 30 minutes after crews responded to the fire call, Norris said.
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A Kootenai County EMS vehicle travels toward an area where multiple firefighters were attacked when responding to a fire in the Canfield Mountain area outside Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, on June 29, 2025. (REUTERS/Young Kwak) -
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Kootenai County Sheriff’s vehicle travels near an area where multiple firefighters were attacked when responding to a fire in the Canfield Mountain area outside Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, U.S. June 29, 2025. REUTERS/Young Kwak TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY -
A Kootenai County Sheriff’s vehicle blocks a road leading to an area where multiple firefighters were attacked when responding to a fire in the Canfield Mountain area outside Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, on June 29, 2025. (REUTERS/Young Kwak)
The suspect appeared to be hiding in rugged terrain and used a high-powered rifle, and officials said they believe he acted alone.
The identities of the two slain firefighters have not yet been released. The third firefighter, who was injured, underwent surgery and was reported in stable condition Sunday night.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
