New Details Unveiled in July 4 Shooting at Yellowstone Facility

New details emerge about a shooting at Yellowstone National Park, revealing authorities had prior warning of the gunman’s intentions.

At a Glance

Authorities were warned hours before the incident about a potential mass shooting at Yellowstone.
Samson Lucas Bariah Fussner, 28, reportedly opened fire at an employee dining hall on July 4.
Park rangers engaged and killed Fussner, with one ranger wounded in the exchange.
Over 200 people were in the building at the time of the incident.
The FBI is investigating the shooting.

A Near Tragedy at Yellowstone

It has come to light that authorities were warned hours in advance about a potential mass shooting at Yellowstone National Park on July 4. The alleged gunman, identified as Samson Lucas Bariah Fussner, 28, from Milton, Florida, opened fire at an entrance to an employee dining hall at Canyon Village, leading to a deadly confrontation with park rangers.

According to reports, a security guard called 911 just after midnight on July 4, alerting authorities that Fussner had held a woman hostage and threatened to attack the dining facility. Despite this early warning, the tragedy could not be averted entirely.

Authorities were warned that gunman was planning to attack Yellowstone facility https://t.co/yJDefi7fJw

— The Associated Press (@AP) September 20, 2024

The Shooting Incident Unfolds

Hours after the initial warning, Fussner arrived at the Canyon Village dining hall armed with both a semiautomatic rifle and a pistol. Over 200 people were inside the building when he opened fire. Park rangers, who had been searching for Fussner, quickly engaged the gunman.

During the exchange of gunfire, one ranger was wounded in the leg. Despite the chaotic scene, the rangers’ swift action prevented what could have been a far more devastating outcome. Fussner was killed in the shootout, and medical workers attempted to revive him, but he was pronounced dead by a doctor at the scene.

Aftermath and Investigation

The incident led to the closure of Canyon Lodge for several days, disrupting park operations during the busy summer season. The wounded ranger was treated and released from the hospital within a few days, being the only other person physically hurt in the attack.

“Thanks to the heroic actions of our law enforcement rangers, many lives were saved here last Thursday,” said Superintendent Cam Sholly. “These rangers immediately confronted this shooter and took decisive action to ensure he was no longer a threat to public safety.”

The FBI and other authorities are conducting a thorough investigation into the incident. As part of standard procedure, the involved law enforcement rangers have been placed on paid administrative leave during the investigation. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Wyoming is reviewing the case.

A Rare Occurrence in Yellowstone

Shootings are uncommon in Yellowstone National Park, despite its high visitor numbers and the prevalence of gun ownership in the surrounding region. This incident has raised questions about security measures and response protocols in national parks.

Fussner had been working for the summer season with Yellowstone’s main tourism concessionaire, Xanterra Parks and Resorts. Investigations revealed that he had previously held another concessionaire worker hostage and made threats of mass shootings, highlighting potential gaps in employee screening and monitoring processes.

As the park community grapples with the aftermath of this near-tragedy, authorities are reviewing procedures to enhance safety measures and prevent similar incidents in the future. The release of body-camera footage and additional details serves as a stark reminder of the dangers faced by law enforcement and the importance of vigilance in public spaces.