Crime
Coeur d’Alene Ambush Suspect Wess Roley Set Fire to Lure Firefighters into Deadly Trap
The motive behind the ambush remains under investigation.
COEUR D’ALENE, Idaho — Authorities have identified the gunman behind Sunday’s deadly ambush on Canfield Mountain as 20-year-old Wess Roley, a resident of northern Idaho.
Roley is accused of deliberately setting a wildfire to lure first responders into a trap, before opening fire on firefighters, killing two and critically injuring a third.
According to law enforcement officials, Roley was the son of Heather Lynn Caldwell-Cuchiara and stepson of Tony Cuchiara, both of whom are known supporters of the political MAGA movement.
Authorities have not confirmed whether Roley’s political affiliations played any role in the attack.
The motive behind the ambush remains under investigation.
The incident began around 1:21 p.m. on Sunday when a brush fire was reported on the east side of Canfield Mountain, just outside the city of Coeur d’Alene.
Firefighters from the Coeur d’Alene Fire Department and Kootenai County Fire & Rescue responded to the scene.
By 2:00 p.m., radio transmissions from firefighters indicated they were under active gunfire.
“These firefighters did not have a chance,” said Kootenai County Sheriff Bob Norris, describing the scene as an intentional ambush. “The fire was set to draw them in.”
Law enforcement officers, including members of the Kootenai County Sheriff’s Office and other responding agencies, engaged in a tactical response.
SWAT teams were deployed, and helicopters were dispatched to provide air support and locate the gunman.
Later in the afternoon, SWAT officers located Roley’s body on Canfield Mountain near a high-powered firearm.
It remains unclear whether he was killed by return fire from law enforcement or died by suicide.
His body was recovered and transported off the mountain as the wildfire continued to advance.
“We recovered a firearm next to the suspect,” Norris confirmed. “We believe he acted alone, based on the trajectory of gunfire and the type of weaponry recovered at the scene.”
Two firefighters were killed in the attack — one from the Coeur d’Alene Fire Department and another from Kootenai County Fire & Rescue. Their names have not been released pending notification of next of kin.
A third firefighter, also from Coeur d’Alene, was transported to the hospital in critical condition, but is currently reported to be in stable condition and recovering after surgery.
Sheriff Norris noted that law enforcement officers exchanged gunfire with the suspect during the standoff and declared the situation a mass casualty incident as first responders continued to evacuate personnel from the danger zone.
Idaho Governor Brad Little condemned the attack, calling it a “heinous and deliberate assault on our first responders.” He urged the public to keep the fallen and wounded firefighters and their families in their thoughts.
“This is a tragic day for Idaho. Our hearts are with those who serve on the front lines and the communities they protect,” the governor stated.
The FBI has joined the investigation and provided technical and tactical support at the scene.
As of Monday, the wildfire on Canfield Mountain remains active. Due to the severity of the ambush, fire suppression efforts were temporarily halted.
Emergency management officials have urged the public to stay clear of the area.
Sheriff Norris emphasized that while the immediate threat has passed, investigators are combing the scene for evidence, including any potential additional weapons left behind by Roley.
This remains an active investigation, and updates will be provided as more information 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.