Authorities have identified the man killed in a fatal shooting in Yellowstone National Park on July 4th as Samson Lucas Bariah Fussner, a 28-year-old from Milton, Florida.
The incident occurred in the early morning hours of July 4th in the Canyon Village area of the park.
According to a press release from Yellowstone National Park officials, park rangers responded to an armed altercation between Fussner and at least one ranger.
Officials say Fussner was a contract worker at the park.
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“Rangers responded to a report of an individual with a firearm who was making threats. When rangers contacted the individual there was an exchange of gunfire between the subject and law enforcement rangers,” said the park. “One Yellowstone law enforcement park ranger was injured. They are in stable condition and being treated at a nearby regional hospital.”
The injured ranger was transported to a nearby hospital and is currently listed in stable condition. Areas of Canyon Village remain closed as law enforcement continues to investigate the incident.
The Park County Coroner’s Office has confirmed Fussner’s identity and stated that an autopsy is underway. The investigation is being conducted by the National Park Service Investigative Services Branch, with assistance from the FBI.
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Park officials have expressed condolences to the families and friends of those involved in the incident.
This tragic event marks the first fatal shooting in Yellowstone National Park since 2018. The park remains open to visitors, but officials are urging caution and respect for the ongoing investigation.
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