Shooter in July 4th incident in Yellowstone identified

On the morning of July 4, Yellowstone National Park Police officers located a man firing a semi-automatic rifle into a restaurant in Canyon Village in the center of the park. The shooter was identified by the Park County, Wyoming, coroner as Samson Lucas Bariah Fussner, 28, of Milton, Florida. Fussner died after an exchange of gunfire with police officers. The investigation into this incident, including the actions of National Park Service (NPS) police officers, is being led by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and reviewed by the District of Wyoming Attorney’s Office.

Shortly after midnight on July 4, Yellowstone Emergency Services received a report that a woman was being held against her will by an armed man in a Canyon Village residence. She also told police officers that Fussner had threatened to kill her and others and that he had allegedly expressed plans for a mass shooting at July 4 events outside the park.

Officers who arrived found his vehicle unoccupied in the canyon area. Preliminary investigation indicated Fussner was likely armed and dangerous. Because the man was on the run, officers were strategically deployed to protect areas with park visitors and employees while they searched for Fussner. The park’s emergency dispatch center notified surrounding counties. In the early morning hours of July 4, over 20 NPS officers, including the park’s special operations team, worked to keep people safe and find Fussner.

At approximately 8 a.m., police officers stationed near Canyon Lodge, which houses the dining rooms for employees and the public, encountered Fussner. Fussner reportedly walked toward the facility’s servants entrance while firing a semi-automatic rifle. The building was occupied by approximately 200 people at the time. Several police officers tackled Fussner. During an exchange of gunfire, Fussner was shot by police officers. Additionally, a police officer was shot in a lower extremity. Additional Rangers with emergency medical training rendered aid to both the injured police officer and Fussner. Fussner died at the scene. The injured police officer was taken to an area hospital in stable condition and has since been released. No other physical injuries were reported.

Fussner was an employee of Xanterra Parks and Resorts, a private company with a license to do business in Yellowstone.

The FBI, with support from NPS, Xanterra and other partners, is offering victim and witness assistance to everyone involved in the incident.

NPS policy for a police-involved shooting is that the police officers involved will be placed on paid administrative leave while the incident is investigated. In accordance with Home Office and NPS policy, the NPS will release available body-worn camera footage of the incident within 30 days.

“Thanks to the heroic actions of our law enforcement officers, many lives were saved here last Thursday,” said Superintendent Cam Sholly. “These rangers immediately apprehended the shooter and took decisive action to ensure he was no longer a threat to public safety. We are now working to provide maximum support to those involved and their families. We appreciate the support of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, National Park Service, Department of Interior and many other partners as we continue to manage the aftermath of this incident.”