Idaho Shooter Kills Two Firefighters, Critically Wounds Third

Wess Roley, a 20-year-old who reportedly set a wildfire to lure firefighters before opening fire on them near Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, killed two firefighters and critically injured a third before dying from a self-inflicted gunshot wound after a prolonged standoff with law enforcement. The victims were identified as Kootenai County Fire and Rescue Chief Frank Harwood and Coeur d'Alene Fire Department Battalion Chief John Morrison, both of whom had long service records, while firefighter Dave Tysdal remains in critical condition but is stable. Roley's family expressed deep condolences for the victims and the community, stating they do not understand his motives and are grieving their own loss. His grandfather, Dale Roley, described Wess as someone who had dreams of becoming a forest firefighter and was trying to figure his life out, expressing shock at the violent act. Authorities noted Roley had minor police encounters since moving to Coeur d'Alene in 2024 but ruled out terrorism as a motive. The incident involved a large response from over 300 local, state, and federal officers, and the fire set by Roley continues to burn over 26 acres.