The query likely refers to the tragic ambush of firefighters in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, on June 29, 2025, where Wess Roley, a 20-year-old suspect, allegedly set a wildfire to lure and shoot at responding firefighters, killing two and wounding a third. The mention of “family expresses confusion” aligns with statements from Roley’s family, and “condo” may be a misstatement or confusion with the location (Canfield Mountain) or a related detail not explicitly mentioned in available sources. Below is a detailed response based on the provided information and context.
Incident Overview
- Event: On June 29, 2025, a wildfire, named the Nettleton Gulch Fire, was reported at 1:21 p.m. on Canfield Mountain near Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. Firefighters responding to the blaze were ambushed by sniper fire, resulting in the deaths of Battalion Chief Frank Harwood (42, Kootenai County Fire and Rescue) and Battalion Chief John Morrison (52, Coeur d’Alene Fire Department). Fire Engineer Dave Tysdal (47, Coeur d’Alene Fire Department) was critically injured but stabilized after two surgeries.
- Suspect: Wess Roley, a 20-year-old transient, was identified as the shooter. He was found dead on Canfield Mountain with a shotgun nearby, likely from a self-inflicted gunshot, though it’s unclear if he was also hit by law enforcement during an exchange of fire.
- Motive: No clear motive has been established. Sheriff Bob Norris noted Roley had expressed interest in becoming a firefighter, but no applications were found with local fire departments. His grandfather speculated a possible rejection due to his height (5’8”), though this is unconfirmed.
Family’s Confusion and Statements
- Family Reaction: Roley’s family expressed profound confusion and grief over the incident. His stepfather, Tony Cuchiara, released a statement via an attorney: “We do not understand why this happened or how this came about. Our hearts and spirits are broken for the lost and hurting, and for our own loss as well.” They extended condolences to the victims’ families and the Coeur d’Alene community, pledging cooperation with authorities.
- Grandfather’s Perspective: Dale Roley, Wess’s grandfather, told NBC News and CNN that Wess admired firefighters and had aspired to join the fire service, possibly with the U.S. Forest Service. He suggested “something must have snapped” for Wess to commit such an act, noting it was out of character given his respect for firefighters. Dale mentioned Wess had recently lost his phone, limiting family contact, and had been working in tree services in Idaho after moving from Phoenix in 2023 to be closer to his father.
- Social Media and Behavior: A now-deleted Instagram post by Roley, shared hours before the attack, showed him in dark camouflage with a balaclava, rifle shells, and the song “Hunter” by Björk, hinting at premeditation. Former classmates described him as erratic—sometimes friendly, other times “verbally aggressive” or “crazy,” with a history of troubling behavior like threatening gestures.
The “Condo” Reference
- The term “condo” does not appear in the provided sources related to the incident. It may be a misinterpretation of “Coeur d’Alene” (the city), “Canfield” (the mountain), or a reference to Roley’s living situation. Sources note Roley was transient, recently living out of his car, though he had briefly stayed with his grandfather in Oklahoma and in an apartment in Sandpoint, Idaho, until January 2025.
- It’s possible “condo” refers to a nearby property or a misunderstanding of the area’s context (e.g., Canfield Mountain’s proximity to residential or recreational areas). Without further details, this remains speculative.
Additional Context
- Ambush Details: Roley reportedly started the fire with a flint fire starter and fired from a tree, leveraging his arborist family background and tree-climbing experience. The attack began after a brief interaction with firefighters, possibly over moving his vehicle, which was later found in an embankment.
- Community Impact: The attack shocked Coeur d’Alene, a city of ~56,000 near the Idaho-Washington border. A shelter-in-place order was issued during the hours-long incident, lifted after Roley’s body was found using cellphone data. The fire grew to 26 acres, with no structures at risk as of July 1, 2025.
- Official Response: Idaho Governor Brad Little called it a “heinous direct assault on our brave firefighters,” and federal support, including FBI technology and helicopters with snipers, aided the response. Over 300 law enforcement officers were involved.
Why the Family’s Confusion?
- Unexpected Behavior: Roley’s family was stunned because he had expressed admiration for firefighters, making his attack seem inexplicable. His grandfather’s theory of a rejection from a firefighting role is unverified but suggests possible resentment or mental health issues.
- Tumultuous Background: Court records reveal a difficult childhood, with his parents’ 2015 divorce involving allegations of domestic violence by his father, including threats with a sniper rifle. This history may indicate a troubled upbringing, though no direct link to the attack is confirmed.
- Lack of Clarity: The absence of a manifesto or clear motive, combined with Roley’s transient lifestyle and recent loss of contact (due to a lost phone), left his family struggling to understand his actions.
Recommendations for Further Information
- Official Updates: Check the Kootenai County Sheriff’s Office or Coeur d’Alene Fire Department for ongoing investigation details.
- News Sources: Reputable outlets like AP News, CNN, or NBC News provide verified updates.
- Avoid Misinformation: Social media rumors (e.g., about “Islamic jihad”) were debunked by Sheriff Norris. Stick to primary sources for accuracy.
Conclusion
Wess Roley’s family expressed profound confusion and heartbreak over his alleged ambush of firefighters in Coeur d’Alene, unable to reconcile his actions with his reported admiration for the profession. The “condo” reference is likely a misunderstanding, as no such detail appears in the context of the Canfield Mountain incident. The tragedy, which claimed two firefighters’ lives and left a third injured, remains under investigation, with no clear motive identified. The community and Roley’s family continue to grapple with the shock and loss. For further details, refer to official statements or trusted news sources like those cited.