In a shocking incident at Yellowstone National Park's Canyon Village, a man who had allegedly threatened to carry out a mass shooting during Fourth of July celebrations was fatally shot after exchanging gunfire with rangers. The suspect has been identified as Samson Lucas Bariah Fussner, 28, of Milton, Florida, an employee of Xanterra Parks and Resorts, a private business that operates in Yellowstone.

The alarm was raised in the early hours of July 4th when Yellowstone's 911 dispatch received a call from a woman at Canyon Village reporting that she was being held against her will by a man armed with a gun. The woman stated that Fussner had threatened to kill her and others, adding that he had plans to carry out a mass shooting at July 4th events outside the park.

Rangers swiftly responded to the distress call and located Fussner's unoccupied car in the Canyon area. A search was initiated, with rangers deployed to protect the park's visitors and employees. The preliminary investigation indicated that Fussner was likely armed and dangerous.

At 8 a.m. on the same day, law enforcement rangers stationed near Canyon Lodge, where employee and public dining rooms are located, encountered Fussner. According to reports, Fussner approached the service entrance of the facility while firing a semi-automatic rifle, as approximately 200 people were inside the building at the time.

Multiple rangers engaged Fussner and a confrontation ensued, resulting in an exchange of gunfire. Fussner was struck by the rangers' bullets and succumbed to his injuries at the scene. Regrettably, one law enforcement ranger was also shot in the lower extremity during the encounter. The injured ranger was promptly taken to a nearby hospital and is now in stable condition, having been discharged since.

Following established protocol for law enforcement-involved shootings, the rangers involved in the incident have been placed on administrative leave while an investigation is conducted.

Superintendent Cam Sholly hailed the heroic actions of the law enforcement rangers, emphasizing that their prompt response undoubtedly saved numerous lives. Sholly expressed the park's commitment to providing full support to those involved in the incident and their families.

In the aftermath of the shooting, the area surrounding the Canyon Lodge complex was temporarily closed. However, park officials have assured the public that there are no current active threats to their safety.

Todd Heskett, a witness to the incident, recounted hearing gunshots emanating from the Canyon Lodge eatery while staying at the Canyon Village hotel with his family. He promptly alerted emergency services and was advised by the front desk to remain in their rooms. An hour later, Heskett received an emergency alert on his phone confirming that the situation had been resolved and it was safe to leave.

As authorities continue to investigate this tragic event, Yellowstone National Park is left stunned by the actions that occurred within its borders on a day meant for celebration and appreciation of nature's beauty.