The Idaho sniper incident that claimed the lives of two firefighters has left a community in shock as more details emerge about 20-year-old Wess Val Roley’s motives and disturbing online behavior. The suspect’s social media presence revealed troubling content that may have foreshadowed his violent actions, including posts made shortly before he allegedly set a bush on fire to lure first responders. Did Roley target the fire department because he got rejected?
A Calculated Ambush Leaves Community Devastated
Wess Val Roley, 20, allegedly shot and killed two firefighters and wounded a third after setting a bush fire to lure them to the scene in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. Authorities described the attack as a “total ambush,” with Sheriff Norris emphasizing that the firefighters had no chance against the sniper who utilized his firearms training and elevated position.
The Nettleton Gulch Fire, allegedly started by Roley as bait, quickly spread over 20 acres while first responders faced deadly gunfire instead of just flames. Emergency scanner calls revealed the chaos and danger faced by firefighters who suddenly found themselves under attack while trying to contain the blaze.
BREAKING:
New photos and videos have emerged of the Coeur d’Alene Fire Fighter shooting suspect, Wes’s Roley’s TikTok account.
According to these screenshots, Roley was allegedly a “Broney” (a boy interested in My Little Pony) and used the Hashtag “Furry.” pic.twitter.com/OPN0ZRppyA
— Idaho Tribune (@IdahoTribune) July 1, 2025
Puzzling Motives Behind the Attack
Roley’s grandfather provided a perplexing insight, suggesting that vanity might have motivated the attack, particularly noting that Roley may have been rejected from joining the fire department due to his height. This revelation stands in stark contrast to the grandfather’s statement that Roley had previously respected law enforcement and firefighters, making his violent actions all the more bewildering.
Before the incident, Roley had been living out of his car and had posted concerning content on social media. His tree-climbing skills and firearms training, which he reportedly used for hog hunting, proved deadly when applied to this calculated attack against first responders.
For every one saying Wes Rolley is Maga for his parents being supporters, what they fail to tell you His parents had a restraining order on him, he went to jail for attacking someone with a knife, he is not from Idaho just there for work and last time I checked normal Men don't… pic.twitter.com/nS7x8odW3d
— Energy (@Energy40171946) June 30, 2025
Aftermath and Response to Tragedy
The deceased firefighters were identified as members of the Coeur d’Alene Fire Department and Kootenai County Fire & Rescue, while a third firefighter was critically wounded but has since stabilized. Law enforcement responded with overwhelming force, authorizing lethal measures and deploying helicopters with snipers before Roley was found dead with a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
Idaho Governor Brad Little and Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem both expressed condolences and support for the affected first responders and their families. Investigators confirmed Roley acted alone in the shooting and had no prior arrests, though he had minor previous interactions with police that had not raised significant alarms.