MAMMOTH HOT SPRINGS, WY – An incident involving an armed individual at Yellowstone National Park on July 4, 2024, resulted in the death of the suspect after an exchange of gunfire with law enforcement rangers. The deceased has been identified as Samson Lucas Bariah Fussner, 28, of Milton, Florida, according to the Park County, Wyoming coroner.
Early on July 4, Yellowstone’s 911 dispatch received a distress call reporting a woman held against her will by a man armed with a gun at Canyon Village. The caller indicated threats of violence, including plans for a mass shooting at Independence Day events outside the park.
Law enforcement rangers responded swiftly, locating Fussner’s unoccupied vehicle in the Canyon area. With Fussner deemed armed and dangerous, extensive measures were taken to protect park visitors and employees. Over 20 National Park Service (NPS) law enforcement rangers, including a special response team, were deployed for search and protection operations.
At approximately 8 a.m., law enforcement rangers encountered Fussner near Canyon Lodge, where he reportedly fired shots toward the dining facility. The lodge was occupied by approximately 200 people at the time. In response, rangers engaged Fussner, resulting in an exchange of gunfire during which Fussner was fatally wounded. One law enforcement ranger sustained a non-life-threatening injury to a lower extremity during the incident but has since been discharged from hospital care.
Fussner was an employee of Xanterra Parks and Resorts, a company authorized to operate within Yellowstone National Park. The FBI, assisted by NPS and other partners, is offering victim and witness support to those affected by the incident.
Per NPS policy, law enforcement rangers involved in the shooting are on paid administrative leave pending investigation. The NPS plans to release body-worn camera footage of the incident within 30 days, in accordance with Department of the Interior guidelines.
Superintendent Cam Sholly praised the swift and courageous actions of the law enforcement rangers, emphasizing their role in averting a potential tragedy. “Thanks to the heroic actions of our law enforcement rangers, many lives were saved here last Thursday,” Superintendent Sholly stated. “We are committed to providing comprehensive support to everyone impacted by this incident.”
The investigation into the shooting, led by the FBI with oversight from the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Wyoming, is ongoing.