Last week, a tragic incident unfolded in Yellowstone National Park when a gunman opened fire, leaving one park ranger injured. The shooter, identified as 28-year-old Samson Lucas Bariah Fussner, had reportedly held a woman against her will and expressed intentions to carry out a mass shooting at July 4th events outside the park.
The shooting took place at Canyon Village, a secluded area within the park, away from the main tourist spots. Yellowstone's 911 dispatch received a distress call in the early hours of July 4th, alerting them to the situation. Law enforcement rangers swiftly responded to the scene, where they found Fussner's unoccupied vehicle and determined him to be armed and dangerous.
Over 20 rangers were mobilized to search for Fussner and ensure the safety of park visitors and employees. In a courageous confrontation near the Canyon Lodge dining facility, rangers engaged with Fussner as he fired a semi-automatic rifle. Despite the risk to their own lives, the rangers managed to neutralize the threat, resulting in Fussner's death at the scene.
Fussner, a resident of Milton, Florida, was an employee of Xanterra Parks and Resorts, a company operating within Yellowstone. The FBI has taken over the investigation, with support from the United States Attorney's Office for the District of Wyoming. The park service is collaborating with the FBI to provide assistance to victims and witnesses affected by the incident.
Law enforcement rangers involved in the shooting have been placed on paid administrative leave as per park service policy, pending the outcome of the investigation. Body-worn camera footage of the incident will be made public within 30 days.
Yellowstone National Park Superintendent Cam Sholly commended the rangers for their swift and decisive actions, which undoubtedly saved lives. Efforts are underway to offer comprehensive support to those impacted by the tragic events that unfolded in the park.
