Officials confirm that the gunman who was killed in a shootout with Yellowstone National Park law enforcement rangers on July 4 had intentions to carry out mass shootings on that day.
Authorities were alerted to the suspect when a call came in to Yellowstone’s 911 dispatch center just after midnight on July 4. A woman reported being held against her will by a man with a gun outside a home at Canyon Village.
The woman also shared the threats made by the suspect, identified as Samson Lucas Bariah Fussner.
She informed law enforcement rangers that Fussner had threatened to kill her and others, including plans to carry out mass shootings on July 4th events outside the park, according to a press release from Yellowstone National Park.
Law enforcement rangers found his unoccupied vehicle and initiated a search for the suspect. Rangers were deployed in the area to ensure the safety of park visitors and employees.
Around 8 a.m. on July 4, law enforcement located the suspect as he was shooting a semi-automatic rifle towards a dining facility at Canyon Village. An exchange of gunfire occurred, resulting in his death.
During the exchange, a law enforcement ranger was shot in a lower extremity. He was taken to the hospital in stable condition and has since been discharged, the park stated.
Fussner, 28, of Milton, Florida, was employed by Xanterra Parks and Resorts, a private business operating within the park.
“Due to the brave actions of our law enforcement rangers, many lives were saved here last Thursday,” stated Superintendent Cam Sholly in a press release.
“These rangers swiftly confronted the shooter and took decisive action to eliminate the threat to public safety. We are currently providing extensive support to those involved and their families. We are grateful for the assistance of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, National Park Service, Department of the Interior, and other partners as we navigate through the aftermath of this incident,” Sholly added.
An investigation is ongoing.
