Details Emerge About Idaho Firefighter Shooter

A man, who has been accused of fatally shooting two firefighters in Idaho before taking his own life last month, had attempted to join the local fire department. He reportedly became frustrated when told he needed to undergo training and testing.

Wes Loffy had also tried to enlist in the Army twice. According to Cootenai County Sheriff Bob Norris, his father, a veteran, had been disqualified for failing to meet various requirements.

This information paints a fuller picture of the 20-year-old suspect. Evidence suggests that the assault was premeditated, including a farewell letter to his father and a painting of his home discovered in his vehicle. The painting depicted a scene suggesting violence, with a person aiming a rifle.

In the letter, Loffy wrote to his father, saying, “Tomorrow I’ll go to fight. If I survive, it will be the most dishonorable. I will say goodbye to you.” Notably, the letter included symbols resembling those tied to Nazi ideology.

On June 29th, Loffy opened fire on firefighters who were responding to a series of blazes he had started on Canfield Mountain. After shooting one person from a tree, authorities reported that he then died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

“A Pure Act of Evil”

Sheriff Norris termed the incident a “planned ambush” and an act of pure evil against individuals who were trying to help.

The victims included 42-year-old Frank Harwood, Fire Brigade Chief of Cootenai County, and 52-year-old John Morrison, the Battalion Commander at Kohl Dahlene Fire Station. David Tisdal, another firefighter, remains hospitalized in critical condition.

Investigators are looking into Loffy’s social media accounts for further insights, with indications that his grievances had escalated over time.

In 2023, Loffy had sought to become a soldier in Arizona but was ultimately disqualified due to failure to attend required tasks and appointments. A month prior to the shooting, he visited the Coeur D’Alene Fire Station to inquire about becoming a firefighter.

Norris mentioned, “He thought he could start right away,” but became frustrated upon learning about the processes involved, including written tests, physical assessments, and background checks.

Classmates Describe Shooter as Aggressive

While the sheriff’s statements provide some context, little is known about Loffy’s motivations. Interviews with former classmates reveal a troubled upbringing and a history of aggressive behavior, characterized by offensive remarks and a fascination with firearms.

Loffy lived with his mother and stepfather in Phoenix, Arizona, before relocating to Northern Idaho in 2024 to live with his father.

Dieter Denen, a former classmate, recounted that Loffy often made aggressive and racist comments, making those around him uncomfortable. “He had a strong edge,” Denen recalled. Loffy had a penchant for drawing bombs and military-themed images in school, even boasting about his German heritage.

Upon hearing about the shooting, Denen expressed disbelief. “It’s shocking. Wes was different when we were younger, but it’s hard to imagine anyone could do something like that.”

Mother Obtained Protection Order Against Father

Records indicate that Loffy’s parents, Heather and Jason Rory, married in California and had lived in Germany during Jason’s Army service. After moving to Phoenix, Heather filed for divorce, citing Jason’s alcoholism and erratic behavior as threats to her and their son.

In her protective order petition, Heather detailed a dramatic incident in which Jason threatened to kill himself and damaged their home. The court ruled in her favor, mandating separation and the surrender of firearms.

“They Didn’t Deserve This.”

The judge noted the history of domestic violence and ordered that the protective measures remain in place for Heather, although they did not extend to their minor children.

Years later, Jason sought a marriage license with another woman, and they reportedly reside in Priest River, Idaho.

Attempts to reach Jason Rory for comments went unanswered, but his father, Dale, expressed sorrow on social media for the victims, stating, “Those good, brave firefighters were just doing their jobs; they didn’t deserve this.”