Man who killed Idaho firefighters had been turned away by fire department, Army

Wess Roley, 20, ambushed and fatally shot two firefighters in Idaho before taking his own life, following his frustrations with the fire department's application process. Roley, who had previously tried to enlist in the Army but was disqualified, exhibited signs of growing resentment leading up to the attack. Investigators discovered a goodbye letter addressed to his father and disturbing drawings in his home, suggesting premeditation. Sheriff Bob Norris condemned the attack as a "pure act of evil" against firefighters who serve the community. The victims were Kootenai County Fire and Rescue Battalion Chief Frank Harwood and Coeur d’Alene Fire Department Battalion Chief John Morrison.

Another firefighter remains in critical condition. Roley’s past behavior included aggressive tendencies and troubling comments, as noted by former classmates who described him as disconnected and often on edge. Authorities aim to delve deeper into Roley’s social media to understand his motivations better.