Last month, a tragic shooting shook northern Idaho when a man opened fire on firefighters before taking his own life. The suspect, 20-year-old Wess Roley, killed two battalion chiefs and wounded another firefighter in what authorities now say was a planned attack.
Roley had recently tried to join the fire department but became frustrated when he learned he needed to go through the usual training and testing process. Earlier attempts to join the Army also ended in disappointment after he failed to complete required steps. These setbacks appeared to build up anger and resentment in him.
On June 29, Roley set several fires on Canfield Mountain to draw firefighters to the scene. When they arrived and asked him to move his vehicle, he opened fire. He then shot at others from a nearby tree before finally shooting himself. Battalion Chief Frank Harwood, 42, and Battalion Chief John Morrison, 52, died in the attack. Another firefighter, David Tysdal, 47, was seriously injured and remains hospitalized.
Sheriff Bob Norris described the shooting as a “premeditated ambush” and “a pure act of evil.” Investigators found a goodbye note Roley had written to his father, which hinted at his dark plans. Drawings found at his home showed violent scenes, and his letter contained symbols tied to Nazi ideology.
Friends and former classmates remember Roley as someone who was often on edge and made racist remarks that made others uncomfortable. He had drawn swastikas and military images in school and spoke proudly about his German heritage. His troubled family background might have played a role in his behavior.
Roley’s parents divorced after reports of domestic violence and alcoholism involving his father, Jason Roley, a former Army staff sergeant who served multiple deployments overseas. The family lived part of Wess’s childhood in Germany near a large U.S. Army base. His mother once obtained a protection order against Jason following an incident in 2015.
Community members and family of the victims expressed deep sorrow over the loss. Dale Roley, Wess’s grandfather, shared condolences, calling the firefighters “good brave men who did not deserve this.”
Authorities continue to look through Roley’s social media accounts to better understand what drove him to commit such a terrible act. The shooting has left a lasting impact on the local community, especially among those who counted on the firefighters for help and safety.