YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK — Following a tragic incident where a worker was killed in a shootout with law enforcement, another park worker has been accused of threatening a mass shooting.
Robert Sherman has been charged with one count of disorderly conduct in U.S. District Court in Wyoming. He pleaded not guilty and is currently in custody awaiting a detention hearing on July 15.
Court records indicate that Sherman was arrested by park rangers on Monday after reports of a threat he made on July 5 while working at the Roosevelt Lodge, just one day after a ranger was injured and another park worker was killed during a shootout at Canyon Village.
The deceased worker, Samson Fussner, had reportedly made threats of a mass shooting on July 4 within the park.
During an argument, Sherman allegedly mentioned to another worker that “the next mass shooting will happen at Roosevelt,” as stated in court documents.
Both Sherman and Fussner were seasonal employees of Xanterra Parks and Resorts, the company that owns and operates lodging in Yellowstone National Park.
Rangers responded to the Roosevelt Lodge on July 8 after receiving information about Sherman’s alleged threat, along with prior comments he had made about “killing two people,” according to court records.
After his arrest, Sherman reportedly stated to investigators that he “lost his cool,” and mentioned, “maybe we should have a shooting down here as well.” This led to the disorderly conduct charge, which carries a penalty of up to six months in jail and a $5,000 fine.
