(PatriotNews.net) – In a calculated act of terror, a 20-year-old gunman deliberately set a brushfire to lure Idaho firefighters into a deadly ambush, killing two first responders before being found dead by SWAT teams on Canfield Mountain.
Key Takeaways
- A gunman ambushed firefighters responding to a deliberately set brush fire in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho on June 29, 2025, killing two and critically wounding another
- The suspect, identified only as 20-year-old Roley, was later found dead by SWAT teams with a rifle nearby
- Authorities issued a shelter-in-place order for eastern Coeur d’Alene that was lifted after the suspect was located
- Over 300 law enforcement officers, including FBI agents, responded to the scene
- The suspect had no known criminal history, and investigators are still working to determine his motive
Deadly Trap Set for First Responders
What began as a routine response to a brush fire quickly turned into a nightmare scenario for firefighters in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. On June 29, 2025, at approximately 1:30 PM local time, fire crews were dispatched to contain a growing blaze on Canfield Mountain. About 30 minutes after their arrival, the true nature of the emergency became horrifyingly clear when gunfire erupted from concealed positions in the dense terrain, forcing the firefighters to take cover behind their vehicles as bullets rained down.
Evidence gathered by investigators confirmed what many feared – the fire had been deliberately set as bait in a calculated ambush. The gunman, positioned strategically in the rugged landscape, used high-powered rifles to fire from multiple directions, creating confusion and preventing escape. This premeditated attack on public servants sent shockwaves through the community and prompted an immediate, massive response from law enforcement agencies across the region.
Casualties and Immediate Response
The ambush claimed the lives of two firefighters – one from the Coeur d’Alene Fire Department and another from Kootenai County Fire and Rescue. A third firefighter from Coeur d’Alene sustained critical gunshot wounds and was rushed to surgery. The identities of the victims have not been released pending notification of their families, but the loss has devastated both departments and the tight-knit community they served.
“This heinous direct assault on our brave first responders is unconscionable,” said Idaho Governor Brad Little in a statement condemning the attack. “These firefighters were simply doing their duty to protect our communities when they were viciously targeted.”
As reports of the shooting spread, authorities quickly issued a shelter-in-place order for eastern Coeur d’Alene and the Canfield Mountain Trailhead area at 4:05 PM. All firefighting operations were suspended as law enforcement mobilized to locate the shooter. Initial reports suggested the possibility of multiple gunmen, adding to the tension as residents locked themselves indoors and waited for updates.
Massive Law Enforcement Response
The response to the active shooter situation was swift and comprehensive. More than 300 officers from various agencies, including local police, sheriff’s deputies, state police, FBI agents, and even units from neighboring Spokane, Washington, converged on the scene. SWAT teams were deployed to the mountain to locate the shooter while other officers established a perimeter and evacuated nearby residents.
The challenging terrain of Canfield Mountain complicated search efforts, with dense forest and rocky outcroppings providing numerous hiding places. As darkness approached, specialized teams equipped with thermal imaging technology continued the methodical search. By 7:40 PM, approximately six hours after the initial attack, SWAT team members located the body of the suspect on the mountain with a rifle nearby.
Kootenai County Sheriff Bob Norris later confirmed that the deceased suspect, identified only as 20-year-old Roley, a local resident, had acted alone. “Based on the evidence we’ve gathered, we are confident there was only one shooter involved in this incident,” Sheriff Norris stated. “The shelter-in-place order has been lifted, but we ask the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity.”
Investigation Into Motive Continues
As the community begins to process this tragedy, investigators are working to understand what drove the young man to commit such a violent act. According to authorities, Roley had no known criminal history, making his actions all the more perplexing. Forensic teams are examining electronic devices and personal effects recovered from the scene and the suspect’s residence for clues about his mindset and possible motivations.
“What makes this case particularly disturbing is the level of premeditation involved,” said an FBI spokesperson involved in the investigation. “The suspect deliberately set a fire to draw first responders into a kill zone. This wasn’t a random act but a carefully planned attack targeting those who dedicate their lives to public safety.”
By June 30, with the immediate threat neutralized, firefighting operations resumed on the mountain. The blaze, which had grown to approximately 26 acres during the forced suspension of firefighting efforts, was finally brought under control. The area remains an active crime scene as investigators continue to gather evidence that might shed light on one of the deadliest attacks on emergency personnel in recent U.S. history.
Community Mourning
The Coeur d’Alene community has been left reeling from this senseless violence. Flags across the city have been lowered to half-staff, and makeshift memorials have appeared outside fire stations. Local officials have announced plans for a public vigil to honor the fallen firefighters once their identities are released to the public.
This tragedy highlights the increasing dangers faced by first responders across the country. While firefighters train extensively for the inherent risks of battling blazes, they now must also contend with the possibility of becoming targets of violence while performing their duties. Fire departments nationwide are reviewing their protocols for responding to remote fires and considering additional security measures to protect their personnel.
As investigators piece together the timeline of events and search for answers, one question looms large: How could a young man with no criminal record commit such a calculated act of violence against those who serve their community? The answer may provide little comfort to the families of those lost in this senseless tragedy, but it might help prevent similar attacks in the future.
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