A dark and twisted motive has emerged in the deadly Idaho firefighter ambush, as the suspect's grandfather revealed his grandson's shattered dreams of becoming a firefighter may have fueled the horrific attack.
According to the Daily Mail, 20-year-old Wess Val Roley, who shot and killed two firefighters and wounded another on Sunday, had desperately wanted to join the fire department but may have been rejected due to his 5-foot-8 stature. The revelation came from Roley's grandfather Dale, who shared details about his grandson's obsession with firefighting and law enforcement.
The suspect's disturbing social media presence painted an ominous picture leading up to the attack, including photos of him wearing a balaclava with darkened face paint and ammunition belts. Hours before the shooting, he shared a Björk song with the telling lyrics "I'm going hunting," foreshadowing the tragedy that would unfold.
The young man's path to violence appears rooted in his intense admiration for firefighters, making the attack particularly tragic. Dale Roley described his grandson as someone who "loved firefighters" and had actively pursued employment with fire departments.
Sheriff Robert Norris confirmed that investigators had information about Roley's firefighting aspirations, adding weight to the theory that rejection from his dream career may have triggered the violent rampage. The suspect's background included relevant skills like tree climbing and firearms training, making his rejection potentially more bitter.
Despite having no criminal record beyond a minor trespass incident, Roley had been living out of his car prior to the attack. This unstable living situation, combined with what his grandfather described as a "nervous" and "high-strung" personality, may have contributed to his mental state.
The assault began when Roley allegedly set a bush fire on Canfield Mountain to lure first responders into his deadly trap. Law enforcement described the incident as a "total ambush" that left the firefighters with no chance of defense.
Scanner recordings captured the terror of the moment, with desperate calls for help as the situation unfolded. "Send law enforcement right now! There's an active shooter zone," one firefighter was heard crying out as colleagues lay wounded.
The fire, which grew to cover 20 acres, created additional challenges for emergency responders who were forced to balance firefighting duties with personal safety. The standoff lasted several hours before Roley was found dead from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound.
The attack claimed the lives of two firefighters - one from Coeur d'Alene Fire Department and another from Kootenai County Fire & Rescue. A third firefighter survived but was initially in critical condition after emergency surgery.
The response to the incident involved multiple agencies, including the deployment of helicopters with snipers authorized to use lethal force if necessary. Sheriff Norris's team even resorted to pushing Roley's vehicle down an embankment to prevent his escape.
The tragedy has deeply affected the tight-knit emergency services community, with Fire Chief Pat Riley expressing heartbreak despite their training for such scenarios. The incident has prompted renewed discussions about the safety of first responders and the need for enhanced security protocols.
The case has sent shockwaves through Idaho's emergency response community and beyond. Governor Brad Little described it as a "heinous direct assault on our brave firefighters," while Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem promised justice would be served.
Officials are continuing their investigation, expecting to recover more weapons from the scene. The suspect's vehicle, found containing various personal belongings, is being thoroughly examined for additional evidence or potential manifestos.
The community now grapples with the devastating loss while seeking to understand how a young man's thwarted career aspirations could lead to such a tragic outcome. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers faced by first responders and the complex mental health challenges that can drive individuals to violence.
