THE suspected arsonist and shooter who attacked and killed Idaho firefighters on Sunday has been identified.
In northern Idaho mountains, a suspect initiated a fire and then targeted first responders using a powerful sniper rifle, resulting in the death of two and the injury of one.
According to a law enforcement source speaking to The Associated Press anonymously due to the ongoing investigation, the shooter is identified as Wess Roley.
His identity hasn’t been officially confirmed, and The U.S. Sun has reached out to local law enforcement for more information.
The update comes after first responders got a call at around 1:30 pm that a fire had broken out at Canfield Mountain near Coeur d’Alene.
Around 30 minutes after crews had arrived, a sniper started firing shots.
Amid the chaos, firefighters sought refuge behind their vehicles and reached out for assistance while the assailant maneuvered through dense forest cover, as reported by the Kootenai County Sheriff’s Office.
Hikers and bikers described being urged to escape from the mountain as a horde of 300 federal, state, and local officials flooded the chaotic scene, the Associated Press reported.
At around 3:15 pm, the suspect was finally located through a cellphone signal, and SWAT teams later found him dead on arrival.
It’s unclear how he died or whether he turned a gun on himself.
Hours after the shooter was stopped, Kootenai County Sheriff Bob Norris described the attack as an intentional ambush meant to target the crews.
“These firefighters did not have a chance,” he said at a press conference.
Lawmakers shared their shock and horror at the attack as they vowed to deliver justice.
“This is a heinous direct assault on our brave firefighters,” Idaho Governor Brad Little wrote on X.
“I ask all Idahoans to pray for them and their families as we wait to learn more.”
SHOOTING HORROR
The injured crewmember was initially in critical condition, but is now stable after getting emergency surgery.
The killed firefighters were taken from the mountain in a motorcade and honored by heartbroken locals who saluted the passing cars.
Horrifying radio captured the firefighters making a desperate call for help as they tried to dodge the bullets.
“Everybody’s shot up here,” cried one first responder in the audio streamed on Broadcastify.
“Send law enforcement now.”
Kootenai County Sheriff Robert Norris said the suspect opened fire with high-powered rifles and screamed at the fire crews to shoot back.
The wildfire destroyed all evidence at the shooting scene, but officials were able to grab the suspect’s body before fleeing for safety.
They planned to continue their investigation on Monday and expected to obtain more firearms.
A shelter-in-place order was issued after shots were fired, but it was lifted once the body was found.
Residents living near the mountain were urged to stay on high alert as the wildfire continued to burn.
