Yellowstone National Park rangers successfully thwarted a potential mass shooting last Thursday when they shot and killed a gunman who was firing a semiautomatic rifle at the entrance of a dining facility. The incident took place at a location where approximately 200 people were present.
The lone shooter was identified as a 28-year-old man named Samson Lucas Bariah Fussner, hailing from Milton, Florida. Prior to the attack, Fussner had held a woman at gunpoint and disclosed his intentions to carry out a mass shooting. The woman reported that Fussner had threatened to kill her and others, including planning an attack during July 4 events outside the park.
Law enforcement rangers were alerted to the situation after the woman's report and began a search for Fussner. They encountered him around 8 a.m. as he approached and fired on a service entrance to the Canyon Lodge dining facility. In response, several rangers opened fire on Fussner, resulting in his death at the scene. Fortunately, no other injuries were reported.
Canyon Lodge, where the incident occurred, was temporarily closed following the shooting. Fussner was an employee of Xanterra Parks and Resorts, the primary concessionaire for facilities within Yellowstone National Park.
Yellowstone Superintendent Cam Sholly commended the law enforcement rangers for their heroic actions, emphasizing that their swift response saved many lives. The FBI has since taken over the investigation, and in accordance with National Park Service policy, the rangers involved in the shooting have been placed on paid administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation.
