Authorities have identified the suspect in a deadly wildfire ambush in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, as 20-year-old Wess Val Roley. Investigators say Roley deliberately set the fire, then ambushed firefighters as they arrived. Two battalion chiefs—Frank Harwood and John Morrison—were killed, and firefighter Dave Tysdal was critically wounded.

Harwood and Morrison were veteran leaders in their departments. Harwood, a National Guard veteran and father of two, had served 17 years with Kootenai County Fire Rescue. Morrison, with over 28 years at Coeur d’Alene Fire, was a respected shift commander. Tysdal remains in critical condition following surgery.

The ambush took place on June 29. About 300 personnel—including FBI agents and National Guard—joined the search. Later that evening, SWAT officers found Roley dead on Canfield Mountain, with a firearm and fire-starting tools nearby. Officials believe he died by suicide and acted alone.

Investigators are searching for a motive. Roley’s social media was wiped, though one deleted post showed him in camouflage with the song “Hunter” by Björk. His former roommate described erratic behavior before the attack. Family members say Roley once aspired to be a forest firefighter, but his mental health had visibly declined.

Governor Brad Little called the attack a “heinous assault on our brave firefighters.” The FBI and other agencies continue to investigate the scene and Roley’s background.