Park rangers at Yellowstone National Park fatally shot an armed man on the morning of July 4. The incident disrupted the holiday weekend for many visitors, who were shocked by the shootout at Canyon Village. According to a press release published by the National Park Service (NPS), the confrontation occurred when rangers responded to an emergency call about a man with a firearm making threats. The ensuing gunfire resulted in the death of the suspect and injuries to one ranger, who received treatment at a nearby hospital.
The FBI has launched an investigation into the shooting. Canyon Lodge, one of Yellowstone’s largest lodges, was closed following the incident, affecting hundreds of visitors during one of the park’s busiest times of the year.
The initial emergency call came late on July 3, and the situation escalated into the early hours of July 4. Employees and visitors at Canyon Lodge were quickly aware that something was wrong, with gunfire echoing through the area. Some employees were sent home, while others barricaded themselves in buildings. Visitors like Janet Paulsen and Mike Erickson initially mistook the gunshots for fireworks.
Local news outlets identified the suspect as 28-year-old Samson Lucas Bariah Fussner, a contract employee with Xanterra Travel Collection. Fussner had reportedly taken a woman hostage and threatened to provoke a deadly confrontation with law enforcement. An alert for Fussner had been issued before the shootout, describing his threats and his last known location.
The incident has also raised questions about the legality of firearms in national parks. While visitors can carry loaded guns if state laws permit, discharging firearms in national parks is prohibited. The investigation continues as the park community deals with the aftermath of this tragic event.
