Tragedy struck in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, where two firefighters were killed and one was injured during what officials are calling an ambush shooting. The incident unfolded as the firefighters responded to a brush fire that a suspect had intentionally ignited to draw them in.
Kootenai County Sheriff Bob Norris confirmed that a man with a rifle started the fire to lure first responders to the scene on Canfield Mountain, leading to the deadly attack. “We do believe that the suspect started the fire, and we do believe that it was an ambush and it was intentional,” he stated. “These firefighters did not have a chance.” Norris also indicated that the shooter acted alone.
Authorities reported that the shooting lasted several hours, with gunfire exchanged between law enforcement and the suspect. The gunman was later found deceased, located through a cell phone signal activated in the area. Norris explained, “We had a cell phone activation that was in the same spot since about 3:16 [p.m.], and that it was in the same area… we saw that there was a male, appeared to be deceased, with a weapon nearby.”
Helicopters with advanced technology helped pinpoint the location of the suspect, and tactical teams, including FBI assets, were deployed to provide support during the standoff. “FBI technical teams and tactical assets are currently on the scene providing support,” remarked FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino, characterizing the situation as “active and very dangerous.”
One firefighter who was injured in the attack is currently in stable condition but “fighting for his life” in a local hospital. Sheriff Norris noted that the fire set by the suspect rapidly grew to about 20 acres but was difficult to contain initially due to the focus being on the gunman. He mentioned that it remains unclear if the shooter took his own life or what motivated the attack.
In chilling recordings from the scene, first responders can be heard urgently asking for ambulances as they came under fire. They reported, “Two battalion chiefs down, two officers injured,” and urged others to retreat to safer ground.
A solemn procession of emergency vehicles from various agencies honored the fallen firefighters, who have not yet been identified. Authorities have named 20-year-old Wess Roley as the alleged shooter responsible for this devastating act.
