Fact Check: Firefighter ambush leaves two dead in shocking Idaho attack
What We Know
On June 29, 2025, two firefighters were killed and another was injured in an ambush while responding to a wildfire in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho. The incident occurred when a man, identified as Wess Roley, intentionally started a fire to lure the firefighters into a trap. As they arrived to combat the blaze, Roley opened fire on them from a sniper position, resulting in a chaotic and deadly exchange of gunfire. The authorities confirmed that the suspect was later found dead with a firearm nearby, although the circumstances of his death remain unclear (AP News, New York Times).
Sheriff Robert Norris described the attack as a "total ambush," stating that the firefighters "did not have a chance" (New York Times). The injured firefighter was reported to be in stable condition after undergoing surgery (AP News).
Analysis
The reports from multiple credible sources, including the Associated Press and The New York Times, provide consistent details regarding the ambush. Both outlets confirm that the firefighters were responding to a wildfire when they were shot at, and that the gunman had set the fire intentionally to lure them into the area (AP News, New York Times). The sheriff's statements, which are corroborated by law enforcement and emergency responders, lend credibility to the assertion that this was a premeditated attack.
The information provided by local authorities, including the Kootenai County Sheriff's Office, is critical in establishing the facts of the case. The sheriff's office confirmed the identities of the deceased firefighters and the nature of the incident, which adds to the reliability of the information presented (AP News, USA Today).
While there may be sensational aspects to the story, the core facts remain consistent across reputable news sources. The emotional responses from community leaders and the public further underscore the gravity of the situation and the shock it has caused in a typically safe area (New York Times).
Conclusion
The claim that "Firefighter ambush leaves two dead in shocking Idaho attack" is True. The evidence from multiple credible sources confirms that two firefighters were indeed killed in an ambush while responding to a deliberately set wildfire in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho. The details surrounding the incident, including the actions of the suspect and the response from law enforcement, have been consistently reported and verified.
