Wess Roley's family breaks silence as firefighters killed in Idaho sniper's deadly ambush are identified

Daily Mail​

a day ago

Idaho firefighter killer Wess Roley's family have spoken out, offering condolences for the three victims who have now been identified, including one still fighting for his life.
The update on the victims came as Roley's family expressed their grief and sorrow for those the 20-year-old hurt after lighting a bush on fire and ambushing the first responders.
'At this time, we, the family of Wess Roley would like to offer our most heartfelt condolences to the families of those whose lives were taken and to the community of Coeur d'Alene at large,' Roley's family told The New York Post through an attorney.
'There are no words that can suffice for this tragedy and the infinite losses suffered by those affected by this shooting. We do not understand why this happened or how this came about,' they continued.
'Our hearts and spirits are broken for the lost and hurting, and for our own loss as well.'
They also noted that they will cooperate fully with the investigation while they 'deal with the grief of this heinous tragedy in our own family.'
Kootenai County Fire and Rescue Chief Frank Harwood, 42, and Coeur d'Alene Fire Department Battalion Chief John Morrison, 52, were named as the two men allegedly killed by Roley.
Harwood - an ex-Army National Guard combat engineer - had served the county for 17 years and leaves behind a wife and two children, said Kootenai County Fire and Rescue Chief Christopher Way.
Morrison served the town of Coeur d'Alene for over 28 years, Chief Tom Grief said.
Dave Tysdal, 47, was the third firefighter hit and is currently in hospital in critical condition.
He has been an engineer for the Coeur d'Alene Fire Department for 23 years. Authorities said he had two successful surgeries.
'We thank everyone for their love and support,' the family said in a statement.
'Dave is surrounded by his family, and he is able to open his eyes and the two surgeries have gone well.'
It was revealed earlier Monday Roley might have been turned down for a firefighting job because of his height, his grandfather has speculated in the immediate aftermath of the attack.
Roley, who was 5-foot-8, is believed to have fatally shot two firefighters and wounded a third on Sunday.
He allegedly launched a barrage of gunfire over several hours around 1.30pm at Canfield Mountain, close to the town of Coeur d'Alene in northern Idaho.
Roley was found dead beside a gun almost six hours later. Kootenai County Sheriff Robert Norris said officials believe he shot himself.
Norris also confirmed his department 'had information' that Roley wanted to be a firefighter, and shared a terrifying image of the suspect from his social media.
The photograph, shared on Instagram stories, shows California-born Roley wearing a balaclava with a coal-like substance smeared on his face, as well as a belt of rifle shells.
He also shared a Bjork song hours before the shooting that included a warning in its lyrics: 'I'm going hunting.'