Authorities have released social media images of the suspect involved in the shooting of Idaho firefighters, identifying both the firefighter who was killed and the one who was injured in an ambush. The suspect, a 20-year-old named Wes Rory, was shown in a photo on his Instagram story wearing black face paint and camouflage clothing, as shared during a press conference.
Cootenai County Sheriff Bob Norris stated that Rory, who was later found dead hours after the shooting, is believed to have taken his own life after the incident, which resulted in the deaths of two firefighters and left another injured. The victims were named as Frank Harwood and John Morrison, while Dave Tisdale is currently in stable condition at the hospital.
Rory is suspected of deliberately starting a brush fire on Canfield Mountain near Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, and then ambushing the first responders who arrived to extinguish the flames. He reportedly had a Flint starter in his possession, believed to be used to ignite the fire, when he was discovered.
Firefighters responded to the fire around 1:30 PM, and about half an hour later, gunshots were reported. Audio recordings from the scene indicate an “emergency” and “active shooter” situation. One firefighter conveyed the need for police assistance, mentioning the presence of two battalion chiefs among the unresponsive victims. The caller also suggested the fire had been intentionally set to draw in firefighters.
Law enforcement initiated a manhunt, utilizing cell phone data to track Rory’s movements. A tactical team found his body and weapons in a wooded area close to where the fire started just a few hours later. Idaho Governor Brad Little condemned the act, describing it as a “sincere direct attack on our brave firefighters” and committed to supporting the investigation. He noted that the firefighters were responding to calls meant to protect others and paid the ultimate price.
The reasons behind Rory’s actions remain unclear. Sheriff Norris mentioned no manifesto was located, and federal authorities, including the FBI, are involved in the investigation. Notably, it was revealed that Rory had previously expressed a desire to become a firefighter, though it’s uncertain if this is connected to the tragic events that unfolded.
The investigation is ongoing, and law enforcement is piecing together details about Rory’s background, including a prior minor interaction he had with police regarding trespassing. Sheriff Norris pointed out that it appeared Rory had been living out of his car, raising further questions about his motivations and choices.
