Crime
Coeur d’Alene shooting suspect identified as Wess Roley
COEUR D’ALENE, Idaho — Authorities have identified the gunman responsible for the deadly sniper ambush on Canfield Mountain as Wess Roley, following an hours-long active shooter situation that claimed the lives of two firefighters and left a third critically injured.
Roley, whose body was discovered Sunday evening near a firearm, is believed to have set a brush fire in the rugged, forested terrain outside Coeur d’Alene with the intent to lure firefighters into a deadly trap.
The ambush unfolded shortly after fire crews arrived to contain the blaze, resulting in chaos, confusion, and heavy gunfire exchanged over several hours.
At approximately 1:21 p.m., emergency services responded to reports of a wildfire on Canfield Mountain, a popular hiking area located roughly four miles north of downtown Coeur d’Alene.
Around 30 minutes later, first responders came under fire. Two firefighters — one from the Coeur d’Alene Fire Department and the other from Kootenai County Fire & Rescue — were fatally shot while assessing the scene.
A third firefighter was struck and airlifted for emergency surgery. He is now reported to be in stable condition.
Scanner audio captured during the incident revealed the panic on the ground:
“Send law enforcement right now! There’s an active shooter zone,” one firefighter could be heard shouting.
Kootenai County Sheriff Bob Norris stated during a press briefing that Roley appeared to act alone, based on recovered weapons and bullet trajectories. He confirmed the shelter-in-place order has now been lifted, and there is no further threat to the community.
“This was a total ambush,” Sheriff Norris said. “These firefighters did not have a chance.”
Law enforcement returned fire throughout the afternoon. By 4:30 p.m., Norris authorized officers and deployed snipers in two helicopters with the directive to use deadly force if they had a clear shot. It remains unclear whether Roley was killed by law enforcement or died by suicide.
“I was hoping someone would have a clear shot to neutralize him,” the sheriff said.
According to Norris, it is likely the suspect was moving on foot as he fired from different positions, contributing to initial fears that more than one shooter might have been involved.
The suspect’s motive remains unknown, and Sheriff Norris said further investigation is underway. Officials expect to recover additional firearms or equipment from the scene.
The FBI responded with technical teams and tactical support, and state and federal agencies remain active in the area. According to Deputy Director Dan Bongino, the situation remains “active and very dangerous.”
Idaho Governor Brad Little called the incident a “heinous, direct assault” on public servants.
“Multiple firefighters were attacked in a cowardly act of violence,” he posted on X. “I ask all Idahoans to join me in prayer for them and their families.”
Sheriff Norris confirmed that the Canfield Mountain wildfire remains active, though response efforts were temporarily suspended due to the risk posed by gunfire.
Firefighting personnel are expected to resume suppression efforts now that the immediate threat has been neutralized.
“It’s going to keep burning,” Norris said. “We can’t put any resources on it right now until we’re confident the area is safe.”
Canfield Mountain, located just northeast of Coeur d’Alene, is a densely wooded recreational area frequented by hikers and bikers.
The ambush has shocked the community and drawn national attention to the vulnerability of emergency responders in hostile situations.
The names of the fallen firefighters have not yet been released pending family notification. Support services are being coordinated for their families, colleagues, and all first responders affected by the day’s events.
This remains a developing story, and more information will be released as it becomes available.
Crime
Who Is the Hero Teacher, Threw a Phone at Gunman John J. Griffin II, Tackled Him, and Fought Back During the Silver Rail Elementary School Shooting?
Another Unamed Hero in Silver Rail Elementary School Shooting: Teacher throwing phone at gunman Griffin J. John II who attacked , tackling him and fighting him.
Anyone Know Her Name? She Must Be Praised Just Like Kaylub Giamanco
BEND, Oregon — Becky Drury, a 54-year-old teacher at Silver Rail Elementary School in Bend, Oregon, sustained serious injuries during the deadly school shooting on Thursday, October 15, 2026. Drury suffered gunshot wounds to her left arm and right hand and underwent surgery, according to the information shared about the incident.
As Drury begins what could be a lengthy recovery, new details have also emerged about the reported actions of another teacher who allegedly confronted the gunman during the attack. According to the account attributed to Bend Police Chief Mike Krantz during a press conference, the unidentified teacher threw a phone at the suspect, tackled him, and fought back.
The teacher reportedly escaped the confrontation without physical injuries. Officials were said to have clarified that earlier information suggesting the teacher had been injured was incorrect.
Drury was among those injured in the shooting at Silver Rail Elementary School. She sustained injuries to her left arm and right hand and required surgery.
Although the injuries were described as serious, the information provided indicates that she survived the operation. Her recovery may involve additional medical treatment, rehabilitation, and emotional support as she works to recover from the traumatic experience.
Her family, colleagues, students, and community members are hoping for her continued improvement and a successful recovery.
The shooting has left the school community dealing with grief, fear, and uncertainty. For those injured, the challenges extend beyond immediate medical care, as they and their loved ones face the psychological and emotional consequences of the violence.
Additional details attributed to Bend Police Chief Mike Krantz describe the actions of another Silver Rail Elementary School teacher who reportedly confronted the gunman during the attack.
According to the account provided, the unidentified teacher threw a phone at the suspect, tackled him, and physically fought back. The teacher was reportedly not injured, contrary to earlier information about the confrontation.
The teacher’s reported actions have drawn attention because confronting an armed attacker can involve extraordinary personal risk. However, the precise sequence of events and the extent to which the confrontation affected the outcome should be established through official statements and investigative findings.
The teacher’s identity has not been provided in the supplied information. Protecting that person’s privacy may be particularly important while the school community and those directly involved continue to process the incident.
The supplied account also identifies Kaylub Giamanco as the person who reportedly shot and killed the suspect during the incident.
The suspect has been identified in earlier reports as John J. Griffin II, a 16-year-old. However, the exact spelling and order of the suspect’s name should be confirmed against official law enforcement records before publication.
The reported intervention by Giamanco and the actions attributed to the unidentified teacher are separate aspects of the developing account. Their precise roles and the circumstances surrounding the suspect’s death should be described using verified statements from investigators.
As Becky Drury faces recovery, messages of support and prayers are being shared for her and everyone affected by the shooting.
Teachers and school staff often play a central role in supporting children, particularly during frightening and uncertain situations. The reported actions of Drury’s colleague have prompted expressions of appreciation, although the full circumstances should be confirmed before drawing definitive conclusions about what happened.
The emotional impact of a school shooting can continue long after the immediate danger has passed. Survivors, families, students, educators, and first responders may need access to counseling, mental health resources, and other forms of assistance.
Community support may also help families and injured staff members manage medical costs, time away from work, and other practical challenges during recovery.
The Silver Rail Elementary School shooting has left the Bend community confronting profound loss and uncertainty. As families mourn those who died, attention is also turning to the survivors who must navigate the difficult process of healing.
Becky Drury’s recovery remains an important concern for her loved ones and colleagues. The unidentified teacher who reportedly confronted the gunman may also need emotional support after experiencing such a traumatic event, even without physical injuries.
Prayers and support are being extended to Becky Drury, her family, the teacher who reportedly intervened, and every student, family, and staff member affected by the tragedy.