Boise Greenbelt Tragedy and Political Fallout | Boise News

A 25-year-old Boise resident, Jordan Harbst, was fatally stabbed while riding his scooter on the Greenbelt — a tragedy that’s shattered the community and ignited a political firestorm. The suspect, 41-year-old Ross Wardlaw, a homeless man with a 20-year criminal history, confessed, claiming paranoia drove him. Just months prior, he was acquitted of aggravated assault — a detail that’s fueling outrage and scrutiny. Idaho lawmakers are now blaming the city for failing to enforce a state camping ban, but Mayor Lauren McLean fiercely defends Boise’s homelessness reduction efforts — down 25% in a year — and calls the accusations political theater. Meanwhile, just five days after Harbst’s death, another violent attack occurred on the same trail, prompting increased patrols — yet police insist Boise remains a safe place to live. Listen in comfort:Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/a7ce2acb9bc60d5a