YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK — Samson “Lucas” Fussner, a 28-year-old man from Milton, Florida, has been identified as the suspect fatally shot in an altercation in Yellowstone National Park (YNP) July 4, the Park County, WY Coroner’s Office has confirmed.
Fussner was an employee of Xanterra, which operates the park’s lodging and concessions, and was registered to work for the company through Sept. 15, 2024, according to a photo of his employee card obtained by Cowboy State Daily.
The shooting, which took place in the park’s Canyon Village, resulted in Fussner’s death and the injury of at least one Yellowstone National Park (YNP) ranger.
Leading up to the altercation, the Yellowstone communications center had issued a “be on the lookout,” or BOLO, announcement for Samson Fussner, who had been holding a female hostage at gunpoint and had purportedly threatened “suicide by cop.” He was reported to be armed with a pistol and potentially other larger weapons. The BOLO was obtained by NPS Ranger News and published on its Facebook page.
Fussner had threatened to “shoot up a fireworks show somewhere in West Yellowstone or Montana,” according to the recording.
Following the altercation, Xanterra announced it was closing Canyon Village and Canyon Campground to visitors. The company said it would reopen the campground on Monday, July 8, with limited lodging at the village and food service still suspended.
“We are taking this step out of respect and care for our staff members. We know this is an extreme inconvenience, and we are very sorry,” Xanterra said in a press release.
The FBI is leading the investigation into the fatal incident, with support from National Park Service special agents. Officials have declined to provide further information while the investigation is ongoing.
